Kulgam: A devastating midnight fire engulfed two R-Tec mobile shops in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, causing massive damage and financial losses estimated between Rs 20 to 25 lakh. The blaze broke out around 2 am during the intervening night of July 8 and 9, swiftly consuming mobile phones, repair machinery, and other valuables inside the shops.
Eyewitnesses and local shopkeepers said the inferno was caused by a faulty electrical meter that had been sparking and malfunctioning for nearly a month. Despite repeated complaints to the concerned department by the shop owner, no action was reportedly taken to rectify the issue.
According to those present at the scene, the incident occurred when the faulty meter suddenly burst, sending wires flying. These wires reportedly came into contact with high-tension lines overhead, sparking a powerful short circuit that ignited the fire and led to an uncontrollable blaze.
“In seconds, the fire turned fierce. We tried to control it, but the flames were too strong,” said one eyewitness. “The whole shop was reduced to ashes before our eyes.”
The shop was stocked with hundreds of mobile phones awaiting repair, along with electronic spare parts and tools, all of which were destroyed.
Fire tenders rushed to the spot and, with the help of local residents, managed to douse the flames after a prolonged struggle. By then, however, the damage had already been done.
Kulgam Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and determine whether there was any negligence involved. [KNT]
