Fire Destroys Shops in Gandarbal’s Kangan Market; No Casualties Reported

An early morning fire broke out in the main market area of Kangan, Gandarbal district, in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, damaging multiple structures including a local hotel.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the fire erupted in the pre-dawn hours and quickly engulfed at least four establishments, one of which was the well-known Hotel Sindh Hill. Fortunately, no casualties or major injuries were reported.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos and suddenness of the incident. “We heard a loud crackling sound and saw smoke billowing from one of the shops,” said Mashooq Ahmad, a resident of Kangan. “Before we could react, the flames had already consumed multiple shops and the hotel.”

Local authorities and fire services were quick to respond, but the speed at which the blaze spread made containment difficult in the initial moments. The fire was eventually brought under control after several hours of firefighting.

Police have initiated a formal investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest a possible electrical short-circuit, but officials have not ruled out other possibilities.

The incident has left shopkeepers and residents in shock, especially those who rely on the affected businesses for their livelihood. Community members have called for better fire safety infrastructure and quicker emergency response systems in high-density commercial areas.

This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.