Massive fire damages hotel in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam; man killed in firefighting accident

Srinagar, Mar 17: A hotel and a vehicle were damaged after a massive fire broke out in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district late Monday evening, officials said, adding that a man also died after being hit by a reversing fire truck during firefighting operations.

An official said that the fire engulfed Asal Resort late evening, following which fire trucks were rushed to the spot.

“During firefighting operations, multiple LPG cylinder explosions occurred, hampering efforts. The fire was put off after strenuous efforts. Three structures of the hotel and a vehicle suffered damaged in the incident. The cause of fire is being ascertained,” he said.

He said that a man also died after being hit by a reversing fire tender during the firefighting operations. He has been identified as Manjeet Singh (31) son of Wakeel Singh of Hutmara Mattan. The deceased was working as a gatekeeper at Vale Lodge in the vicinity—(KNO)