In a startling incident in northern India’s Punjab, a massive fire erupted in a banquet hall, forcing immediate evacuations as thick black smoke surged into the sky.

The incident took place in the Garhshankar area of Hoshiarpur district on November 5.

Visuals showed the banquet hall engulfed in blazing flames, with dense clouds of smoke billowing overhead.

According to reports, nearby residents and banquet hall staff rushed out as the fire quickly spread throughout the building. Though the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, initial investigations point to a suspected short circuit. The matter is currently under further investigation, while authorities work to assess the extent of the damage.