Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 14: A massive fire broke out at the Muslim Public School in Srinagar’s Rajbagh area of Srinagar today, severely damaging the top floor and causing panic among students who were celebrating Children’s Day as they watched their school go up in flames.
According to Fire and Emergency Department officials, they received information about the fire at around 12:31 PM. Within a minute, they dispatched 10-12 fire engines to the scene. “When we arrived, the building was already in flames. After ensuring the safe evacuation of students and staff, we began the operation and managed to control the fire in a short time. The damage is limited to the building where the fire occurred, with no impact on other structures. There has been no loss of life,” an official stated. He added that the fire started in the attic and rapidly spread through the building in the upscale Kursoo, Rajbagh area.
School staff said that the fire likely began in the auditorium due to a short circuit and quickly spread. Fortunately, most students were outside in the school premises during the Children’s Day celebration.
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“A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire. The auditorium, where the fire started, is usually closed, and we were outside celebrating. Although some students were on the ground and first floors, all were evacuated safely,” a school official said.
News of the fire at this prominent school created widespread panic, with parents rushing to ensure their children’s safety. The intense flames frightened the students, some of whom were seen crying and fainting.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo visited the school to assess the damage, speaking to both the media and school administration. “Thankfully, there is no loss of life, which is the most important aspect. I am here to ensure everyone’s safety. While Children’s Day events are ongoing, we will thoroughly assess the situation. The administration will look into the matter and make sure fire safety protocols are followed in all schools,” she said.
Ahsan Pardesi, the National Conference MLA for Lal Chowk, called the incident unfortunate but expressed relief that all students and staff were safe. He assured that the government would provide financial assistance to help repair the building and resume educational activities. He emphasized the need for safety audits in all schools to minimize future risks.
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