Inferno: House reduced to ashes

Owner estimates the loss at Rs14 million and requested authorities to compensate him

TIMERGARA:

A fire erupted in a house in Manrigai, Khal tehsil of Lower Dir on Sunday night, reducing the ten-room structure to ashes.

Sher Zaman, owner of the house, told the media on Monday that his family was asleep when the fire broke out in the middle of the night due to reasons unknown. He woke up his family members and they rushed out of the house, asking neighbours to inform fire brigade officials. By the time help arrived, the fire had already engulfed the entire house, gutting all the furniture and electronic equipment. Fifteen cattle heads also perished in the inferno.

Zaman said although the family remained safe, they lost all their belongings. He estimated the loss at Rs14 million and requested authorities to compensate him.

Khal police SHO Barkat Ali reached the site immediately and said the fire tender broke down while en route to the house. Ali said a case has been registered and the reason for the inferno is being investigated.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2015.