SARLAHI: More than 65 houses were engulfed in flames in a devastating fire that swept through Baraudhoran village in Bishnu rural municipality-1 of Sarlahi district.

Ward president Bikau Thakur reported that the fire broke out in the house of local resident Shatrughan Raut this afternoon, leading to the explosion of a gas cylinder and the subsequent destruction of over 65 houses in the village.

The fire, which ignited around 1:00 pm, raged for approximately four hours before being brought under control with the assistance of local residents, Nepal Police, Armed Police, and fire tenders.

Mayor Jawaharlal Yadav disclosed that more than 100 houses suffered damage in the blaze.

He lamented the loss of food stocks, clothing, and numerous livestock, although precise details of the extent of the damage are yet to be compiled.

Sarlahi’s Chief of Police, Superintendent Hariharnath Yogi, confirmed that the fire has been contained, and efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage.