Five persons were charred to death in a fire that broke out at a cracker shop and later spread to nearby establishments in Ranipur area here today, police said.
Three others who sustained injuries in the incident were admitted to hospital.
"Five persons who had sustained severe burn injuries have died. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered in the incident," district collector P Narhari told PTI.
The deceased are yet to be identified, he said.
"The fire started from a cracker shop and quickly engulfed other shops located nearby," Indore Deputy Inspector General of Police, H C Mishra said.
The police promptly evacuated people from around the fire site located in a congested lane, he said, adding the blaze was put out after several hours of efforts by the fire brigade personnel.
Mishra said the police have started an investigation into the cause of the blaze and are also ascertaining whether the cracker shop had a licence.
According to eyewitnesses, 20 two-wheelers were gutted in the blaze.
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