An electrical short circuit ignited a house fire in Khotang district, resulting in an estimated Rs 1.655 million in property damage.
The fire erupted on the night of October 20 in the home of Krishna Kumar Rai, located in Ward No. 6 of Mangaltar Ghurchu in Halesi Tuwachung Municipality.
The blaze destroyed his stone and mud house with a tin roof, an adjoining structure, and a goat shed.
According to the District Police Office Khotang, the fire also damaged cash, personal items, clothing, food grains, electrical appliances, and important documents.
Household Items Valued at Rs 5.65 Million Lost in the Fire
The fire caused significant losses, including Rs 200,000 in utensils, Rs 150,000 in clothing, Rs 115,000 in food grains, and Rs 100,000 in electrical appliances. Additionally, the family lost Rs 20,000 in cash.
The fire also affected the goat shed, resulting in the death of three goats two females and one male.
Police estimate the total damage from the fire at Rs 1.655 million.
Family Loses Their Home
Krishna Kumar Rai, the homeowner, is currently working in the UK. His wife, Tara, and their son were inside the house when the fire started.
Local media report that Tara was in the attached building for the night when the fire broke out in the main structure. The family could not salvage their belongings as the fire occurred overnight.
They are now facing the loss of their home and personal possessions.
Temporary Shelter Being Constructed for the Family
Local police, Halesi residents, and the Area Police Office collaborated to manage the fire.
Halesi Tuwachung Municipality is working on a temporary shelter for the family, as stated by Deputy Mayor Ramesh Raut.
The family is currently homeless, and a temporary shelter is urgently needed as they cope with this overnight disaster.
The fire was likely sparked by an electrical short circuit, spreading quickly before the family could react.