Nine Nepalis Killed in Fire in India’s Himachal Pradesh

Nine Nepali nationals were killed in a fire in India late Sunday night.

The incident occurred at Arki Bazaar in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh.

The victims belonged to two families from Takura, Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipality–2, Salyan district, in Karnali Province. They had reportedly travelled to India around two and a half years ago for work. India remains a major labour destination for many Nepalis, particularly from the western region.

The deceased have been identified as Dhan Bahadur B.K, Kabita B.K, Radha B.K, Renuka B.K, Rajan B.K, Kashiram Kami, Anu B.K, Tika B.K and Kiran B.K.

Ward No. 2 of Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipality declared Tuesday, January 13, a day of mourning.

Local police earlier said that an eight-year-old boy from Bihar died in the fire, while two others were injured.

According to ANI, an India-based news agency, the fire broke out between 2:00 am and 2:30 am on Monday and rapidly spread to several shops and adjoining buildings. 

RK Sharma, a local fire officer, told ANI that around 10 water vehicles and six fire tenders were deployed and the fire was brought under control by 6:30 am. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to ANI, which last updated its report at 9:40 pm (Indian Standard Time) on Monday. However, some Nepali media outlets have reported that the fire may have been triggered by a cooking gas cylinder explosion.