Himachal fire incident: Child killed, several feared trapped as massive fire guts Arki Market in Solan
A significant stretch of the Arki market area has been reduced to ashes
PTC Web Desk: A major fire incident in the Old Bus Stand area of Arki subdivision in Solan district claimed the life of a young boy early Monday morning, while four to five persons are feared trapped inside damaged buildings, police officials said.
The fire reportedly broke out between 2:30 am and 3 am near the UCO Bank branch and rapidly spread to an adjacent structure, affecting two residential buildings that housed multiple families. Within minutes, the flames engulfed large portions of the area, triggering panic among residents.
According to officials, both buildings were completely gutted, with the intensity of the blaze increasing due to the explosion of LPG cylinders, which were heard going off during the fire. A significant stretch of the Arki market area has been reduced to ashes.
Firefighting teams were deployed from multiple locations, including Ambuja Cements Darlaghat, Banalegi, Boileuganj, and Solan, along with local fire tenders. After hours of effort, the fire was finally brought under control by around 7 am.
Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed that the boy, believed to be seven to eight years old, was found charred inside the UCO Bank building, which also sustained heavy damage in the incident.
Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma and Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi visited the spot to review rescue and relief operations. Police personnel and disaster response teams are continuing search operations amid fears that several people may still be trapped.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated, officials said.