Heritage Russell Market destroyed in blaze

BANGALORE: Bangalore’s heritage structure Russell Market went up in flames in the wee hours of Saturday, destroying 174 shops. Vegetable, fruits, flowers and other items worth lakhs of rupees were gutted. The fire department officials said the fire broke out in shop in the rear of the building around 3.45 am and some people sleeping in the market alerted the fire department around 4 am. “By the time the fire personnel reached the spot, the fire had engulfed half the building and had spread to the first floor. After a seven-hour operation, the fire was completely doused around 11 am,” the officials informed.