Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 8: Fire destroyed three residential houses at Pandaan in Nowhatta on Thursday, while three people sustained injuries in fire fighting operations.
Eyewitnesses said, “Smoke and flames spread rapidly through the narrow lanes, forcing residents to flee with whatever they could carry.”
“The fire spread so fast, it was like it had a life of its own. We grabbed our children and ran out,” said a resident.
“Some neighbors tried to pull out furniture, but the blaze didn’t allow them,” he added.
Another resident said, “People were shouting, crying and running in all directions. It was terrifying to see our homes, built over generations, reduced to ash in minutes.”
Officials said the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. At least two houses were severely damaged, leaving families without shelter.
Among the injured were Javid Ahmad Nun (45) and Mohammad Sultan Lone (58), both from Gurez, who suffered burn injuries and are currently stable at SMHS Hospital.
A firefighter, SG Nazir Ahmad, also sustained minor injuries while assisting in the rescue.
