Arki Fire Tragedy Deepens as Charred Remains Found on Second Day
Rescue teams recovered several charred human remains on Monday during ongoing search operations in Arki, Solan district. A devastating fire gutted a commercial-cum-residential complex late Sunday night, claiming at least three lives and leaving several people missing.
Search Operations Continue Amid Debris
Search and rescue operations entered their second day on Monday with teams working through massive debris. The fire ravaged Arki's main market area near the old bus stand around 2 am, trapping members of two families including five children.
Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed the recovery of charred body parts. "Seven-eight people are still missing. Charred body parts have been recovered. Forensic examination of the site will provide clarity," the SP said.
Rescue efforts face significant challenges due to large quantities of debris. Teams are systematically removing rubble from collapsed structures while ensuring personnel safety to prevent further cave-ins.
Enhanced Rescue Efforts with NDRF Deployment
While district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force, Home Guard and fire department have been on site since the incident, the National Disaster Response Force and dog squads joined the operation on Tuesday morning to assist in the search.
Arki Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nishant Tomar revealed that DNA samples have been collected from family members of missing individuals to confirm identities once remains are recovered.
Victims Identified as Nepalese Nationals
According to administration officials, all three deceased individuals and the six missing persons are Nepalese nationals from Salyan in Karnali province of Nepal. Five of the nine affected people are minors.
Three bodies were recovered on the first day, including eight-year-old Priyansh. The identities of the other two deceased remain unconfirmed. Two injured persons are undergoing treatment at Arki Civil Hospital.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Possible Causes
SP Gaurav Singh shared preliminary findings. "The investigation suggests a burning 'brazier' (angithi) was brought inside the house, which might have triggered the fire. Besides, locals reported gas cylinder explosions," he said.
State Disaster Response Force teams, along with district administration personnel, are engaged in debris clearance using JCB machines. The fire destroyed four houses and eight shops including garment, footwear, grocery and watch establishments, causing an estimated loss of around Rs 2 crore.
Legal Action and Official Response
Police have registered an FIR against the building owner at Arki police station. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the tragedy and directed district administration to conduct relief and rescue operations along with a detailed inquiry.
Search operations will continue until all formalities are completed, according to police officials. The community remains in shock as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate missing persons and provide closure to affected families.
