Affected families recount horrific scenes
SRINAGAR: A late-night blaze broke out in the congested Bana Mohalla area of Srinagar’s Fateh Kadal, damaging six residential-cum-commercial buildings and leaving several families homeless, officials said on Tuesday.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir news Observer (KNO) that the distress call was received at 10:59 PM on Monday, following which the fire tenders were dispatched.
He said the blaze was later brought under control after intense fire fighting, leaving six houses damaged.
“Six residential-cum-commercial buildings, mostly double and three-storeyed structures were involved in the fire. The roofing, upper floors, furniture, furnishings and other household items were completely gutted, while lower floors sustained heat and water damage,” an official said.
He said teams from multiple fire stations were pressed into service to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to adjacent houses in the densely packed locality.
Locals described scenes of chaos and fear as residents scrambled to safety amid rising flames. “It was terrifying, as the fire spread within minutes. People were shouting and running to rescue children and the elderly. The whole sky turned red,” said a resident, whose house was among those damaged.
Another local, said “the narrow lanes made rescue efforts difficult. “We could barely move. Everyone was rushing and trying to douse the fire. The cries of women and children echoed throughout the night.”
Meanwhile, officials said there were no casualties in the incident, though several families lost significant property. “We are conducting a detailed damage assessment and urge residents to follow basic fire safety measures, particularly in congested Old City areas,” the official added.