Tragic Fires in Himachal Pradesh Claim Lives and Raise Safety Concerns
Recent Fire Incidents in Himachal Pradesh
Munish Sood
Mandi
Himachal Pradesh has recently experienced a series of tragic fire incidents, prompting urgent discussions about safety measures in its hill towns and remote areas. Following the devastating fire in Arki market, which resulted in ten fatalities, another catastrophic blaze has occurred in Sirmaur, the home district of the Congress state president, claiming five more lives and leaving numerous families in despair.
Five Lives Lost in Sirmaur Village Fire
The latest incident took place late last night in Telagna village, part of the Ghanduri Gram Panchayat, situated approximately 15 kilometers from Nohra Dhar in Sirmaur district. A significant fire erupted in a residential home where eight individuals were present.
While two people managed to escape, five others were trapped inside and perished as the flames rapidly engulfed the structure. One individual sustained critical injuries and has been transported to Solan for specialized medical care.
Initial reports indicate that the fire may have originated from an angithi (traditional heater) positioned outside the house. Shortly thereafter, a gas cylinder exploded, leading to a massive fire that quickly spread to three or four adjacent homes.
Rescue and relief efforts are currently in progress. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of mobile network coverage in the village, which has hindered communication and emergency response efforts.
Local MLA and Congress leader Vinay Kumar confirmed the tragic event and the number of casualties. Expressing profound sorrow, he described the incident as extremely distressing and stated that the administration has been instructed to conduct an immediate investigation and provide all necessary support to the affected families. He is en route to the site to meet with the families of the victims.
Kumar urged residents throughout the hill state to exercise extreme caution during winter, particularly when using heaters, angithis, and gas cylinders, and to ensure that all fires are completely extinguished before sleeping.
Arki Market Fire Claims Ten Lives
The tragedy in Sirmaur follows closely on the heels of a significant fire in the Arki market of Solan district, where a four-story building was consumed by flames, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals, including women and children.
This building housed shops on the ground level and residences on the upper floors. The fire escalated rapidly after multiple gas cylinders exploded, transforming the structure into a deadly trap. Many victims were unable to escape as the wooden building collapsed into the inferno.
Rescue teams labored for hours through the debris, and a magisterial inquiry has been initiated regarding the incident.
Heightened Safety Concerns in Hill Areas
These consecutive tragedies have once again underscored the precariousness of life in hill towns and remote villages during winter, where wooden constructions, heating methods, gas cylinders, and limited emergency access can turn accidents into catastrophic events.
As temperatures continue to drop across the state, authorities are urging residents to adhere to stringent fire safety protocols to avert further tragedies.