Fifty-five-year old Chalitar Sardar was killed while trying to collect his belongings after his home caught the fire, according to police.
The fire that started from the kitchen of Jhameli Sardar at around 12:45 pm on the day engulfed the entire settlement in no time. "Before we could do anything, our house and belongings turned into ashes," said Bir Bahadur Sardar, a victim. "We lost everything."
Properties worth around Rs 7 million have been destroyed in the incident, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Narayan Chimariya. Twenty-eight huts collapsed during rescue operation when the lately reached fire brigade tried to take the fire under control, he added.
Chief District Officer Birendra Kumar Yadav, who reached the site to take stock of the situation, said that the government would provide financial support to each victim family through the district-based Disaster Management Committee.
"The victims are in pathetic condition and they have nowhere to go," said CDO Yadav. "The family of the deceased will also be provided with monetary support." They have already been given Rs 10,000 as an immediate relief, he added.
Related story
Six houses gutted in fire
