Anantnag, March 17, KNT: A hotel and a vehicle were damaged in a major fire that broke out in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district late Monday evening, while a man was killed during firefighting operations, officials said.
The fire engulfed a resort at Laripora Pahalgam, prompting authorities to rush fire tenders to the scene to contain the blaze.
The incident highlights concerns over fire safety in tourist areas, especially as the region enters the peak travel season, with hotels and resorts witnessing increased activity.
Officials said the fire spread rapidly, causing damage to multiple structures within the hotel premises.
“Three structures of the hotel and a vehicle suffered damage in the incident,” an official said, adding that the cause of the fire was being ascertained.
During the firefighting operation, several LPG cylinder explosions were reported, which hampered efforts to control the blaze.
Firefighters continued operations despite the explosions and managed to bring the fire under control after strenuous efforts, officials told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Amid the response operation, a fatal incident occurred when a man was hit by a reversing fire tender.
The deceased has been identified as Manjeet Singh, 31, son of Wakeel Singh, a resident of Hutmara Mattan area of Anantnag district.
Officials said he was working as a gatekeeper at a nearby lodge when the incident took place.
He sustained critical injuries after being struck by the vehicle and later succumbed, officials added.
Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the accident are also being examined.
The fire incident caused panic in the area, with locals and workers gathering near the site as flames engulfed parts of the resort.
Pahalgam, a major tourist destination in Kashmir, witnesses a significant inflow of visitors during the spring and summer months, making fire safety measures crucial for hotels and hospitality establishments. [KNT]
