Search op continued on day 2 at Arki: Charred human remains recovered from fire, ravaged building, search on for 6 missing

Search operations have been hampered by large quantities of debris. Rescue teams are systematically removing rubble from the collapsed structures while ensuring the safety of personnel to prevent further cave-ins.

An FIR has been registered against the owner of the building at the Arki police station, police said.

The fire broke out at the building around 2 am near the old bus stand in Arki’s main market area, trapping members of two families, including five children. Three bodies were recovered on the first day, including that of an eight-year-old boy, identified as Priyansh. The identities of the other two deceased are yet to be established. Two persons sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at the Arki Civil Hospital.

Arki Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nishant Tomar said, “DNA samples have been collected from the family members of the missing individuals to confirm their identities.”

According to the administration, all three deceased individuals and the six missing individuals are Nepalese nationals hailing from Salyan in the Karnali province of Nepal. Five of the nine people are minors.

The SP said, “The preliminary investigation suggests a burning ‘brazier’ (angithi) was brought inside the house, which might have triggered the fire. Besides, locals reported gas cylinder explosions. SDRF teams, along with district administration personnel, are engaged in debris clearance using JCB machines.”

The fire destroyed four houses and eight shops, including garment, footwear, grocery and watch shops, causing an estimated loss of around Rs 2 crore.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the tragedy and directed the district administration to conduct relief and rescue operations and a detailed inquiry into the incident.

With PTI