8-year-old child dies, at least 7 missing as late-night fire engulfs house in Himachal

An eight-year-old child died and at least seven people, including women, are missing after a major fire broke out at a house in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district late Sunday night, reports said.

The incident occurred around 2 am near the main market close to the Old Bus Stand in Arki. The blaze was later brought under control, but several people are believed to have been trapped inside the structure when the fire erupted.

A State Disaster Response Force team has reached the site and search operations are underway to trace those missing. Local administration officials rushed to the area soon after receiving information about the fire.

Solan Deputy Commissioner Man Mohan Sharma said the child was declared dead at a government hospital, adding that seven to eight people were reported missing. The victims were labourers belonging to two to three families from Nepal and Bihar, and ex-gratia relief will be announced after rescue operations conclude.

Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh said a burning brazier brought inside the house may have triggered the fire, while locals claimed gas cylinders also exploded. A forensic examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause as political leaders expressed concern over the tragedy.