Dimapur, 13 November (MTNews): In a devastating tragedy in Dimapur, five people were charred to death when a fire engulfed Master Colony in Naharbari, Dimapur on Sunday at around 10:40 p.m. Sources suggest that the victims were likely asleep at the time of the incident. The identities of the victims believed to be from Bihar are yet to be established, but residents have confirmed that the deceased belonged to the same family—three children and their parents.
Sources also informed that approximately 28 houses are suspected to have been razed by the fire, affecting about 40 non-Naga families. According to some sources, the fire’s cause is suspected to have originated from sparks/flames from firecrackers or diyas lit on the occasion of Diwali. Additionally, around four gas cylinders reportedly exploded during the incident.
Fire tenders from the Central station and one from the West and Chümoukedima were reportedly deployed to douse the fire. Locals, in an effort to contain the fire’s spread through thatched houses, resorted to breaking down some walls. While the investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing, an assessment of the damaged properties is also underway.
Amidst this tragic situation, the Vice President of the Naharbari Council informed that they have established a makeshift camp to aid those affected, offering assistance in the form of donations.