BARISAL: At least 10 shops and eight houses were gutted as a fire broke out in Raipotty area at Tarki Bandar under Gouranadi Upazila of the district early Monday.

Besides, at least 12 people also sustained injuries while trying to douse the flame.

People concerned suspected that the fire could have been caused by an electric short circuit. However, the fire service, had not confirmed the cause of the fire.

Gouranadi Fire Service Station officer Abdul Karim said that being informed, three fire fighting units from Gouranadi, Uzirpur and Madaripur Fire Stations rushed to the spot and doused the fire after two hours’ frantic effort.

BDST: 1201 HRS, MAR 30, 2015