Bohri Kadal blaze leaves trail of destruction

Srinagar, June 25: Devastating fire incident at Bohri Kadal area of Downtown has left a trail of destruction, reducing houses to ashes and shattering dreams!

It was sad atmosphere at Bohri Kadal as fire victims were mourning loss of their homes and businesses in the massive blaze.

According to the officials of Fire and Emergency services, at least two buildings housing a seminary and multiple shops were gutted in the incident. Two commercial buildings and around 10 residential houses were also gutted in the incident. A 75-year-old masjid was also gutted.

The fire victims said that they lost all their belongings in the incident. “Most of the families are from poor economic backgrounds, and we lost everything. Some youngsters also tried to help, but the fire was so deadly that they could not do anything,” said a victim.

Another fire victim, while talking said that they lost their shops and houses in the incident.

“Our residential houses were sheltering three families, and all of us are on the road now. We have nothing left now. Our businesses and shelter are gone,” he said.

People from different walks of life visited the spot and consoled the fire victims. “We share your grief. We will join hands to ensure your rehabilitation,” an elderly person told a group of fire victims.

Many locals and other sections of society called for immediate help for the fire victims. Members from Bazme Tawheed, which manages the masjid and religious seminary, appealed to the administration for all possible help to all the victims.

“It was a 75-year-old masjid that was gutted in the incident. All the victims come from economically weak backgrounds, and their belongings were reduced to ashes,” the members said.

Noor Alam, Divisional Fire Officer City, said that the major fire incident took hours to control, and they used all the resources at their disposal to prevent further destruction.

“The magnitude of fire and the chaos made it hard to navigate and carry out the operations smoothly. At least seven people, including two firemen, were injured during the incident,” Alam said.