Srinagar, Feb 11,: At least nine houses were gutted in a massive fire that broke out in the Babapora area of Habbakadal in downtown Srinagar late Tuesday night, leaving several families homeless and causing extensive property damage.
Officials said the blaze spread rapidly through the congested locality, engulfing multiple residential structures before fire and emergency services brought it under control after strenuous efforts. Locals joined firefighters in attempts to douse the flames and evacuate belongings, but much of the property was reduced to ashes.
One of the damaged houses belonged to Pandit Sanjay Kumar. Other affected house owners included the families of Late Bashir Ahmad, Abdul Rasheed Dar, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Neelogar Akhtar, Muhammad Sideeq, Muhammad Ashraf, Ghulam Muhammad Wani and Muhammad Lateef.
Among the worst affected families was one that reportedly lost everything, including cash and jewellery. The daughter of the family had got engaged in October last year, and preparations were underway for her marriage. All dress material and jewellery kept for the wedding were destroyed in the blaze, leaving the family devastated.
On Wednesday morning, the Tehsildar concerned visited the site to assess the extent of damage and interacted with the affected families. He assured the fire victims that all possible assistance would be extended as per norms.
officials said an assessment of losses was being compiled while a case has been registered to ascertain the cause of the fire. [KNT]
