Two dead; property worth Rs 5 million gutted in fire in Panchthar

January 4, Kathmandu: Two persons died and two others sustained inquiries in a fire incident that occurred at Fidim Municiplaity-5, Ghumaunetar in Panchthar district on Wednesday morning.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the District Police Office, Hari Khatiwada, informed that the fire engulfed the house of Megh Bahadur Gurung, a local, at 1.35 am on Wednesday.

Gurung’s daughter-in-law Asang Singh Thebe, 23, and daughter Mamata Gurung, 22, died in the incident, DSP Khatiwada added.

Megh Bahadur and Bijendra Gurung sustained minor injuries while three others narrowly escaped the fire. The fire had completely destroyed the house with stock grains, jewellery and other belongings. Police said the fire had caused an estimated loss of Rs 5 million.

According to the preliminary study by the police, the short circuit might have caused the fire. As many as 25 police personnel were mobilized to take the fire under control.

Local people and police had doused the fire after three hours after the incident. The fire survivors are being kept at a neighbour’s house. Preparation is underway to provide relief aid to the victims.