Srinagar, Nov 4: Two scrap collectors were killed after a massive fire engulfed around 80 temporary shelters in Durbal area of Bemina in Srinagar during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.
The fire broke out at around 12:23 am on November 4, spreading rapidly through makeshift shelters constructed of tarpaulin and wood, officials said. An empty poultry farm and a tipper were also damaged in the blaze.
Fire tenders from Fire Stations JVC and Rawalpora, along with additional reinforcements from Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters, Batamaloo, were pressed into service to control the flames.
Officials said the fire had spread across the entire area before firefighting teams were called in. After the blaze was brought under control, two bodies were recovered from the debris.
The deceased were identified as Mohd Noor Alam (27), son of Abdal Wahab, a resident of Delhi presently living at Durbal, and Al Ameen (16), son of Mohd Rafi, a resident of Delhi presently living in Kupwara. Both were working as scrap collectors in the area.
The bodies were handed over to local police after completion of forensic proceedings.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
Deputy Director Command Srinagar Dr Aqib Hussain Mir, Mobilising Officer Aijaz Ahmad Shah, DFO City and DFO Headquarters coordinated the firefighting operation. (Agencies)