Even as flames leapt out of some floors of the highrise Nandaram Market and the adjoining Kansiram Market, an angry mob of shopkeepers and residents vented out their frustration by setting on fire five media OB vans stationed in the area to air the live telecast of the firefighting operation.

Several cracks have appeared in the front portion of the Nandaram Market building, which has slightly tilted to its left and flames were seen raging from the top floors, city police chief Gautam Mohan Chakraborty said.

But engineers at the site were of the opinion that it would not immediately collapse, he said, adding that residents of nearby areas were moved to safer places.

Though Chakraborty said he was hopeful that personnel of the Army and fire brigade would be able to bring the fire under control during the day in the largest wholesale market in the country, shop owners of the Nandaram Market were seen arguing with fire brigade personnel accusing them of not doing enough to douse the fire.

Fire Brigade sources said there was no problem of water scarcity but the intense heat generated by the fire was rendering the water sprayed ineffective and causing the flames to spread, he said, adding what was needed was continuous supply of water.

He ruled out use of foam to douse the fire as it is used if petrochemical products are stored nearby.

An explosion, probably caused by diesel stacked in the generator room in the 13th floor of Nandaram market, occurred on Sunday evening. The police commissioner said no more explosions were reported during the night.