Srinagar, Oct 21, KNT: A massive midnight blaze reduced six residential-cum-commercial structures to ashes in Narparistan area of Fathekadal in Srinagar’s old city, officials said on Tuesday. The fire, which broke out during the night, quickly spread through the densely populated locality, leaving behind scenes of devastation and panic among locals.
Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services Department told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that among the gutted buildings, four were three-storey structures and two were double-storey. The fire was brought under control after a prolonged and intense operation involving multiple fire tenders dispatched from several nearby stations, including MR Gunj, Habakadal, Safakadal, Rainawari, and the central headquarters.
Eyewitnesses said flames engulfed the buildings rapidly, and locals struggled to salvage their belongings before the fire intensified. “The blaze erupted suddenly and spread from one house to another within minutes. We tried our best to control it, but it was too strong,” said a local resident.
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Authorities confirmed that most of the household items and property were severely damaged in the incident, with losses estimated to be in lakhs of rupees. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, though police have begun preliminary investigations to determine its origin.
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Civil administration officials visited the spot early Tuesday morning to take stock of the situation. They assured the affected families of all possible assistance and relief measures. “Immediate support will be extended to the victims, and damage assessment is being carried out,” said an official present at the site. [KNT]
