Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, May 2: A major fire broke-out on the top floor of Gouri Bhawan at Shivkhori, here this morning, causing loss of property and injuries to an SPO besides forcing closure of the yatra for two hours.
The fire erupted in the kitchen around 7.30 a.m where a cooking gas cylinder caught flames, which soon engulfed the entire top floor of Gouri Bhawan. It took more than an hour to douse the flames after hectic efforts by JKP and CRPF Jawans deployed there.
Police said some LPG cylinders in the building caught fire and four explosions were heard. Witnesses said the presence of the gas cylinders was hindering the dousing operation as the jawans had tough time in taking out the inflammable lot.
Most of the damage has taken place at the Restaurant and Bhaint shop was also gutted. There was also loss in cloak room, dispensary , record room and CCTV room. Displaying courage, SPO Chain Singh broke the glass of a room in which ammunition of police was kept and saved all ammunition risking his life. His one arm was badly damaged in this act and he was later shifted to DH Reasi for treatment.
No one other got injured in the incident while upper portion of the building was completely gutted in the fire.
Reports said that only two fire extinguishers were installed there, which also did not work during the incident. JKP and CRPF Jawans used buckets to douse the flames.
Due to the fire incident, pilgrimage to the shrine remained stopped for two hours.
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