Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 20: A residential houseboat moored on the river Jhelum near Abdullah Bridge was destroyed today in an early morning blaze, leaving a family of seven homeless.
The blaze broke out around 3 a.m., spreading rapidly through the wooden structure, the family members said.
“I don’t know what caused it. When I saw the intensity, I preferred to save my family,” said the houseboat owner, Muhammad Yousuf Tabardar, who used to live there with his wife and five children.
Tabardar alleged that fire services reached the spot after nearly three hours, noting, till then, the damage was already done.
“Had there been fire tenders stationed along the Jhelum, it would have made a difference. I have lost everything, including my children’s belongings,” he said, adding that he was thankful no lives were lost. He urged the administration to ensure a proper firefighting mechanism along the Jhelum for the safety of not only houseboats, many of which host tourists, but also nearby hotels.
An official said the houseboat sustained complete damage, though no casualties were reported.
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