NEELUM VALLEY: A major fire broke out today in the bustling Lawat Bala Khawaja Seri market in Neelum Valley, causing widespread damage and panic among residents.
The blaze is believed to have originated from a pakora shop due to a gas cylinder leak, according to local sources. The fire rapidly spread to adjacent shops, including those selling petrol and gas cylinders, which exacerbated the situation.
Moreover, eyewitnesses stated that the fire destroyed nine shops in Lawat Bala Bazaar, leaving extensive damage and reducing goods worth lakhs of rupees to ashes. Shopkeepers and residents fought the flames with whatever they could.
Although the fire was eventually brought under control, it caused significant damage to the market. The full extent of the losses is still being assessed, but the impact on the community is anticipated to be severe.
Emergency services were reportedly delayed in arriving, leaving residents to manage the fire on their own.
