Srinagar, June 24: A massive fire broke out at a commercial building near Bazar Masjid in Bohri Kadal, Srinagar, on Monday.
The fire, which started in the afternoon, quickly spread to nearby residential houses and complexes, damaging the famous Bazar Masjid.
Srinagar police said an extensive rescue operation was underway, with teams from the fire services and locals working together to contain the blaze.
According to police sources, besides the mosque, several other buildings, including a commercial complex and residences, were destroyed in the fire in the congested Bohri Kadal locality.
The officials said there are no reports of any casualties so far. The exact cause of the fire has not been known yet, however, the police are probing the matter to ascertain the reason behind the tragic incident.
An official said that soon after the incident fire tenders reached the spot to douse off flames. He said that a firefighting operation is still going on to prevent the fire from spreading further. “The cause of the fire is being ascertained,” he said.
To contain the fire, they said that the locals and police also helped the firefighters, who pulled out all the stops during the exercise.
“After spotting the fire on the mosque’s third story, we immediately called in the firefighters who made strenuous efforts to put out the fire, which had engulfed the upper floor of the mosque and adjacent properties, locals said.
District, the Deputy Commissioner(DC), Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat also rushed to the site and personally monitored the rescue operation and assured to provide immediate assistance to the affected families. He directed staff to be available and provide all necessary help to the fire-affected families. SSP Srinagar and other senior officers accompanied the DC and are at the spot.
