Two killed in house fire in Panchthar

PHIDIM: Two persons died and two other sustained inquiries in a fire incident that occurred at Phidim Municiplaity-5, Ghumaunetar this morning.

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 incident.

The fire had completely destroyed the house with stock grains, jewelries and other belongings.

Police said the fire had caused an estimated loss of Rs 5 million. According to the preliminary study of 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 of the incident.

The fire survivors are being kept at neighbour’s house. Preparation is underway to provide relief aid to the victims.