Deadly Fire in Himachal Pradesh Kills 10, Including 9 Nepalis

At least 10 people, including nine Nepalis, have died in a devastating fire in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, India. One Nepali woman was injured, while 18 others managed to escape. The incident occurred in Ward No. 6 of Arki Nagar Panchayat, destroying five buildings and eight shops.

All the Nepali victims were residents of Takura, Shivkumbh Rural Municipality-2, Salyan District, Karnali Province. Those killed include Dhan Bahadur Vik (33), his wife Kavita Vik (30), daughters Radha (16) and Renuka (11), and son Renjan (22 months). Another family lost Kashiram Vik (42), his wife Tika Vik (30), daughter Anu (8), and son Sanjay (6).

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started on the upper floor of a five-story wooden building where at least 27 Nepalis were living. Cold winter conditions led residents to use traditional heated stoves indoors, which likely triggered the blaze. The wooden structure allowed the fire to spread rapidly to nearby buildings, and several gas cylinders exploded, causing loud blasts reported by locals.

Firefighters from Arki, Banlgi, Baluganj, and Ambuja, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), administrative teams, and local residents, managed to bring the fire under control after approximately nine hours, around 1:30 PM.

The families of the deceased have been provided an initial relief of Rs 25,000 each.

—News Agency Nepal