SRINAGAR: In a harrowing incident, a massive fire erupted during the wee hours this morning along Ghat No 09 in the Dal Lake area, wreaking havoc on the serene houseboats. The flames voraciously engulfed five iconic houseboats Safeena, Sabreena, Young Gulshan, Lala Rukh, and Khar Palace. The fire extended its destructive reach, reducing seven residential huts and neighbouring houses to ashes.
Dispatch One
Regrettably, the devastating blaze claimed the lives of three tourists from Bangladesh —Anindaya Kowshal, Das Gupta, and Mohammad Moinud —who were residing in houseboat Safeena.
Amidst the chaos, the swift efforts of Srinagar Police, SDRF, Tourist Police, F&ES, and vigilant civilians ensured the rescue of eight individuals who were staying in the engulfed houseboats. Timely evacuation measures proved instrumental in preventing more casualties.
Dispatch Two
Earlier, chaos ensued among the public and authorities when the national television channel reported three casualties in the fire. A police spokesman said a fire incident report has been lodged in PS RM Bagh and an investigation initiated.
