BIRATNAGAR, March 18: A massive fire broke out at Magic Footwear Industry of Tankisunawari, Morang on Friday.
The fire which started at 4 on Friday morning was doused after 13 hours with the help of 12 fire engines. The fire gutted seven buildings of the factory, destroying goods worth worth millions. Superintendent of Police Sandip Bhandari, chief of Morang Police, informed that it took more time to put out the fire due to the large number of slippers, shoes and chemicals in the factory. Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army and locals were actively involved in dousing the fire.
Shortage of trained hands hits footwear industry hard
According to Gopal Mahara, an official of the footwear industry, the fire had started after a transformer at the back of the factory exploded. “A carton used for packing shoes caught fire which ultimately led to the mishap,” Mahara added.
According to the industry’s manager, Mahesh Baheti, the fire has caused losses worth more than Rs 500 million. The details of the cause are yet to be established by the police.
