Daijiworld Media Network - Kishtwar

Kishtwar, Jan 2: At least five houses were gutted and two persons sustained injuries after a massive fire, triggered by an LPG cylinder blast, broke out in a remote village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district late Thursday night, officials said on Friday.

The fire originated in a residential house at Thachna village and quickly spread to neighbouring homes, causing extensive damage. Given the remoteness of the area, teams from the district administration, police, Army and fire services, along with local residents, launched a joint operation to bring the blaze under control.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot, while LPG cylinders from nearby houses were removed as a precautionary measure to prevent further explosions and spread of the fire, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, who closely monitored the firefighting operation, said it took several hours to douse the flames completely.

“Four to five houses were gutted in the incident. There was no loss of life. Two persons who were engaged in firefighting efforts sustained injuries and were provided first aid,” Sharma told.

He added that tents and other relief material have been provided to the affected families, and a detailed assessment will be carried out to evaluate the extent of losses.

The houses damaged in the incident belonged to Liaqat Mir, Bashir Ahmed, Alfa Mir and Jibran Mir.

Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma said he has been in constant touch with the affected families to discuss relief and support measures.

National Conference MP Sajad Kitchloo expressed grief over the incident and said he had spoken to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure immediate assistance to the victims.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra also expressed concern, urging the district and UT administrations to provide urgent relief, temporary shelter and rehabilitation to the affected families, especially in view of the prevailing harsh winter conditions.