Video: Three foreign tourists die as massive fire destroys several houseboats on Kashmir’s Dal Lake
The cause of the fire, which engulfed five houseboats at Kashmir’s famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, was not immediately known.
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Three foreign tourists, believed to be Bangladeshi residents, were charred to death when a major fire destroyed several houseboats on Kashmir’s famous Dal Lake on Saturday.
According to officials, the charred remains of the three tourists, which were burnt beyond recognition, were recovered from the rubble of one of the gutted houseboats near ghat number nine at the famous lake.
Dal Lake is a popular attraction for tourists visiting the former summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
The cause of the fire, which engulfed five houseboats and as many attached cabins, was not immediately known. The officials said preliminary investigation revealed that the fire in one of the houseboats broke out in the early hours due to a malfunction in a heating device.
Images shared on social media platforms showed the houseboats engulfed by a massive fire as tall flames and towers of their black smoke pierced the early morning sky on a cold winter morning in Srinagar.
#WATCH | Several houseboats were destroyed in a fire in Srinagar’s Dal Lake last night pic.twitter.com/uDtuOQO9yw
— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2023
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims of the devastating fire incident at Dal Lake. It is truly heartbreaking to witness the loss of 5 houseboats, worth over Rs 30cr. CCIK stands united with the affected individuals and pledges to provide all necessary assistance. pic.twitter.com/21LfsCAfOi
— Aatif Khan (@aatif_khan_) November 11, 2023
The victims’ DNA samples were taken to establish their identities, officials said, adding that they are believed to be from Bangladesh and include a woman, according to records maintained by the houseboat operators.
The bodies will be identified with the victims’ relatives through DNA samples before being handed over, officials said.
The fire that broke out around 5.15 am destroyed properties worth millions of rupees. The fire was brought under control after hectic efforts by locals, fire brigade and emergency services, officials said.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: Fire brigade reached the spot after several houseboats were gutted in a massive fire in Dal Lake pic.twitter.com/D88RY5m1dq
— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2023
This was the second major fire incident involving houseboats anchored on Dal and Nigeen lakes. In April 2022, seven houseboats were lost in a devastating fire at Nigeen Lake, which was especially popular among foreign tourists, on the outskirts of the city. However, no one was injured in the incident.
Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aijaz and senior officials of the tourism department visited the fire site at Dal Lake and assured all possible assistance in reconstruction of the damaged houseboats, the officials said.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: Houseboats on fire at Dal Lake, Station House Officer Fire Department Farooq Ahmad says, “The fire started around 5.15 am in the morning and as soon as I received the call, we came here. Around 5-8 houseboats and huts went up in flames. We can’t… pic.twitter.com/rEQ0cSCDw7
— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2023
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) also expressed grief over the fire incident and said, “It is indeed a great loss to the historic houseboat population.”
KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga, in a statement, urged the Lieutenant Governor-led government of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the losses and extend necessary moral and monetary compensation to the victims on war footing to ensure their rehabilitation.
Permission was also quickly requested for the reconstruction of the stripped houseboats and to guarantee the supply of the required amount of wood as quickly as possible.
(With PTI inputs)