A large fire broke out in Erbil city’s Langa market on Tuesday evening, causing millions of dollars in damages to shop owners. 

A team of relevant parties is investigating the fire in Langa bazar. A local official said that security forces are thoroughly investigating any unwanted possibilities and rumors of shoplifting. 

A mobile shop owner in the bazar told Rudaw on Wednesday that over $25,000 worth of phones were stolen from his shop overnight when the fire raged, suspecting that the fire had been intentionally started by arsonists to loot stores. 

The scale of the damages became evident after the fire was extinguished. The owner of a shop that supports the livelihoods of four families tearfully said that goods worth around $50,000 were burned in his store because he had bought an extra supply for Ramadan and Newroz holidays. 

Erbil security forces have launched an investigation and will summon anyone who committed theft to court. 

The bazar is famous among locals for selling high-quality, second-hand goods, including clothing, furniture, and other items. 

It is not the first time that fire has broken out in the market. There have been similar incidents in the past that have burned hundreds of shops, causing large financial damages on business owners.