ACHHAM: A massive fire broke out at Jayagarh Bazaar in Bannigadhi Jayagarh Rural Municipality of Achham on Monday night, destroying 27 houses and causing losses estimated at over Rs 70 million.
According to Achham Police Chief Ishwori Prasad Bhandari, the fire started after a gas cylinder exploded at the IME center operated by Pushparaj Sharma in the heart of the market.
The flames quickly spread through the densely packed area, engulfing homes and shops in the vicinity.
Among the 27 destroyed houses, 11 were being used as commercial spaces by local traders, compounding the financial losses. The inferno reduced entire livelihoods to ashes, with many families and business owners left with nothing.
Police and local authorities have been working to assess the full extent of the damage. “The data collection is ongoing. We are trying to determine the total losses and provide support where needed,” Bhandari said.
No casualties have been reported so far, but the fire has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in crowded rural markets like Jayagarh.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to provide immediate relief and temporary shelter to the affected families.
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