Tragic Blaze Claims Lives of Three, Including Young Child, in Solan District
Devastating Fire in Solan
Shimla: A devastating fire has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including an eight-year-old child, in a four-storey building predominantly housing migrant families from Bihar and Nepal, according to officials.
The blaze erupted near UCO Bank in the Arki market area of Solan district, with authorities reporting that six individuals are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
Local MLA Sanjay Awasthi, who visited the scene, noted that between 10 to 15 homes sustained extensive damage due to the fire. He also mentioned that some residents from Nepal are unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search efforts.
The structure, constructed from mud and wood and owned by Rajiv Gupta, was completely destroyed. The ground and first floors were occupied by shops, while the upper levels housed families.
Footage of firefighters battling the fierce flames during the cold night, alongside residents from nearby buildings pleading for assistance, has circulated widely online, highlighting the community's distress.
All three deceased and the six missing individuals are Nepalese nationals from Salyan in Nepal's Karnali province, with five of them being minors.
The child was initially rescued but later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The remains of two others were retrieved during the rescue efforts, found severely burned, with post-mortem and forensic examinations currently in progress.
To date, three bodies have been recovered, and a case has been filed under Section 287 of the BNS for negligent handling of fire or combustible materials, as stated by Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh.
An investigation into the fire's cause, which ignited around 2:45 AM, has been initiated by the Deputy Commissioner of Solan, Manmohan Sharma, who indicated that the fire started in a wooden building and quickly spread to nearby structures.
The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, pending forensic and fire department reports.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing several loud explosions, believed to be from gas cylinders, which may have exacerbated the fire's intensity.
Firefighting efforts involved six fire tenders from various locations, including Solan, Nalagarh, and Shimla, with teams from the district administration, police, state disaster response force, home guard, and fire department engaged in search and rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force is expected to join the efforts on Tuesday.
While the fire has been brought under control, search and rescue operations are ongoing. Debris removal is being facilitated by two JCB machines to aid in systematic searches.
Nine families residing in the affected building have been left homeless. The administration has provided them with tarpaulins, blankets, clothing, and other essential supplies.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed condolences regarding the tragedy and has directed the deputy commissioner to commence immediate relief and rescue operations.