Srinagar, Feb 15: A devastating fire broke out late Thursday evening in the Maloora Shalteng area on the outskirts of Srinagar, reducing five tin-shed structures used for residential purposes to ashes. The incident occurred around 10 pm, at a time when most of the male members of the affected families were away at Hazratbal shrine, offering prayers on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as flames quickly engulfed the temporary structures, destroying not only household items but also significant amounts of cash. Locals reported that several victims had lost money kept for business transactions. One resident displayed a bundle of partially burnt Rs 500 notes, highlighting the financial losses suffered in the tragedy.
A victim lamented the loss of Rs 5.5 lakh, which he had set aside for trading in blankets and pillows. “The fire took everything away, including my earnings and the money I owed to my business partner,” he told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Fire and emergency services rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames, but by then, the damage had already been done. Locals have urged authorities to extend financial aid to the victims, many of whom have lost their means of livelihood in the incident. [KNT]
