KATHMANDU, Jan 13: Nine Nepali migrant workers have been confirmed dead after a massive fire, triggered by a gas cylinder explosion, broke out in the Arki area of Solan district in Himachal Pradesh, India, in the early hours of Monday, according to Indian media reports.
The fire erupted between 2:00–2:30 AM in the old bus stand area of Arki, rapidly engulfing several shops and adjoining residential structures. Local officials said the affected buildings were largely wooden, allowing the flames to spread quickly.
According to ANI, at least one child was rescued alive but later succumbed to injuries at a hospital, while nine others—identified as Nepali-origin migrant labourers—were trapped under debris. Rescue officials later confirmed their deaths.
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ANI reported that 10 to 15 shops were gutted in the blaze. “We immediately deployed fire services, SDRF, Home Guards and the local administration during the night. Fire tenders from Shimla and the Ambuja Cement Factory were rushed in, as Arki does not have a fully equipped fire unit,” an official said.
A state-run newspaper in Nepal confirmed that all nine deceased belonged to two families from Takura of Siddhakumakh Rural Municipality–2 in Salyan district. Ward member Laxmi BK identified the victims as 33-year-old Dhan Bahadur BK, his 32-year-old wife Kabita BK, their daughters Radha BK (16) and Renuka BK (10), and their 22-month-old son Rajan BK. The other family included 42-year-old Kashi Ram BK, his 32-year-old wife Tika BK, their daughter Anu BK (11), and son Kiran BK (7).
Relatives said the families had been living in Arki for around two years, working as daily wage labourers, and were asleep in a room where a gas cylinder was reportedly kept when the explosion occurred, sparking the fire.
Nearly six fire tenders and around 10 water-spraying vehicles were deployed, and the blaze was brought under control by around 6:30 am. “Among the nine trapped persons, there were five children and four adults, including two couples,” Indian firefighters said.
JCB machines and multiple SDRF teams were deployed to clear the site and assess human and material losses. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, Siddhakumakh Rural Municipality Ward No. 2 in Salyan has been plunged into mourning following the tragedy.
