At least four members of a family, including three children, were killed after a massive fire engulfed Parsi-Parlo town in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kurung Kumey district early Thursday, destroying 24 houses.
The deceased were a woman and her three minor children, comprising two boys and a girl. Her husband remained missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise, Deputy Commissioner Cheechung Chukhu said.
The fire reportedly broke out around 2.30 am and quickly spread to neighbouring houses. According to the District Disaster Management Officer, 19 houses were completely gutted, while five others suffered partial damage.
The cause of the fire remained unknown, although preliminary reports suggested that it might have originated in a kitchen.
Chukhu said the casualty figure could increase and the full extent of the damage would be determined after an assessment.
A team of officials from the district headquarters in Koloriang rushed to the affected town on Thursday morning to oversee rescue and relief operations.
The incident also exposed the lack of adequate firefighting infrastructure in the remote town. Sources said Parsi-Parlo did not have a fire station, while the fire tender stationed at Koloriang, around 38 km away, reportedly failed to reach the affected area in time. The delay was believed to have hampered efforts to contain the rapidly spreading flames.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu condoled the loss of lives and expressed solidarity with the affected families. He thanked the local administration, police, fire services, emergency responders, volunteers and residents for their response, and urged the authorities to provide all necessary assistance to those affected.
Meanwhile, the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) also expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved family and others affected.
ANYA president Jamru Ruja urged the state government to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation assistance to the affected families, stressing the need for all possible support during the difficult period.
He also announced that the organisation would launch a donation drive and visit the fire-hit town soon to assist the victims.
