Shimla/Solan/Recongpeo, Jan. 13 -- A spate of fire incidents across Himachal Pradesh in the last 24 hours has taken a heavy toll on human lives and property, raising serious concerns over fire safety and preparedness in the hill state.
At least ten people have lost their lives in three major fire mishaps reported from Solan, Mandi, and Kinnaur districts.
The deadliest incident occurred in the Arki area of Solan district, where nine persons, including two children and four women, were burnt alive after a massive fire engulfed an old wooden building in the market area late Sunday night.
Two buildings were reduced to rubble, while five bodies are yet to be traced as rescue teams continue debris-clearing operations. Several shops were gutted...