New Delhi: A major fire broke out on Thursday in Baheri Buzurg village near Pathankot, destroying 35 huts belonging to migrant labourers and leaving 13 families homeless. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported as all the labourers and their families had gone out for daily wage work when the incident occurred.
According to local residents, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the huts within minutes. Strong winds further intensified the blaze, while the huts — made of dry wood and tarpaulin sheets — caught fire quickly, reducing everything to ashes in nearly 10 minutes.
As soon as nearby workers and villagers learnt about the incident, they rushed to the spot and tried to control the flames by throwing water and मिट्टी. However, their efforts failed due to the intensity of the fire. By the time the fire brigade reached the location, all the huts had already been gutted.
The exact cause of the fire has not been ascertained so far.
One of the affected migrant workers said that years of savings and essential belongings were destroyed in the blaze. “Our ration, clothes, utensils, Aadhaar cards, RC documents, jewellery and cash saved through hard labour have all been burnt. Even our three motorcycles were completely destroyed. We have nothing left now,” he said.
