Srinagar, Mar 06: Seven residential structures were destroyed in a devastating blaze at Sheikh Colony Makhdoom Sahab area in old city here this afternoon.
Witnesses said seven residential structures were gutted — three of them completely — following short-circuit in one of the houses in congested locality.
“Fire broke out at 2: 45 pm this afternoon. Three houses were completely gutted while four others suffered partial damage. The cause of fire was short-circuit,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a local resident.
He said that the blaze that broke from the house of one Abdul Rashid Sheikh engulfed other six structures within minutes.
Witnesses said that locals tried to douse the fire to prevent it spreading but could not succeed. It was only after fire-tenders reached the scene that the fire was controlled – though people blames Fire Services of not reaching in time.
Mohammad Shafi, another local said that fire-tenders reached an hour after the incident.
“No household item could be saved, the fire was so intense no one dared to enter inside to save anything. Fire tenders reached late by one hour which is unfortunate,” he added.
The affected families have appealed the State government to help them rebuild their houses by providing some financial support.
“We are poor people. It is impossible for us to rebuild our houses on our own, so we appeal the government to help us financially so that our families do not suffer,” said Abdul Rashid.
