45 shops gutted in major fire in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 12: At least 45 shops and other structures were gutted in a devastating fire at tourist spot Sonmarg on Srinagar-Leh national highway early this morning, official sources said.

The fire broke out in a shop at Sonmarg, about 85 km from here in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.

However, before fire fighters could reach the spot, the leaping flames engulfed more than 45 shops and other structures.

The cause of the fire was being ascertained, a fire control room official said.

He said fire tenders from all nearby stations were rushed to the area and senior officers were present on the spot.

He confirmed 36 shops were reduced to ashes in the fire, as per the first report received from the spot.

UNI