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| (Screen grab from FB Khoj Khabar HD) |
The house, located above Marwari Palace and below UB Khsetriya Gramin Bank, which was made primarily of wood and had been standing for many years, was consumed by flames at an alarming speed. The residents, many of whom had been living in the house for over two decades, were unable to salvage anything. The fire was so intense that by the time neighbors noticed the blaze, the structure had already been heavily damaged. Despite the quick arrival of the fire brigade, the flames raged for several hours, destroying not only the affected house but also causing damage to three nearby homes.
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The fire has left eight tenant families from the razed house homeless. In addition, one more family from a nearby house has been displaced, while three other families in the vicinity of the burnt building saw their homes partially damaged due to the intense flames. While the damage to nearby homes was not as severe, the devastating effect of the fire has left many in a state of shock and distress.
The house was owned by Sonam Bhutia, who is currently residing in Calcutta, while the eight tenants had made their homes in the building for over 30 years. It is believed that the fire originated on the ground floor, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, but the loss of belongings has left families devastated. The affected residents, who have lost everything from clothing to vital personal documents, are now in urgent need of support. The Indian Red Cross Society has already reached the site, providing immediate relief to the victims by distributing essential materials such as clothes, food, and blankets.
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Local government officials, including Ruden Lepcha MLA Kalimpong, Senora Namchu Sabhasad of GTA, Mamata Gurung Sabhapati of Kalimpong Panchayat Samity, Rabi Pradhan, Chairman of Kalimpong Municipality, District Magistrate Balasubramanian T., and other relevant authorities, visited the site to meet with the affected families and assess the situation. The officials assured the victims that necessary arrangements for relief, rehabilitation, and recovery will be coordinated between the GTA, Kalimpong Panchayat Samity, and Kalimpong Municipality.
The fire has raised serious concerns about fire safety in the area, especially since this marks the third such incident in recent months. Residents and local authorities have called for urgent measures to address fire hazards in the region, with many urging for better fire safety protocols and awareness programs.
While the immediate focus is on providing relief to the victims, the longer-term challenge will be ensuring that the affected families are properly rehabilitated and supported in their recovery. The damage to their homes and belongings has left them in a precarious situation, and the community is rallying together to help.
As the investigation into the fire continues, the local government and various organizations have vowed to provide the necessary assistance to ensure that the victims can rebuild their lives.
For now, the survivors of this tragic incident are receiving vital relief, but the tragedy highlights the need for better fire safety measures in the region to prevent further disasters in the future.
