Seven animals die as fire breaks out in shanties

A major fire broke out in shanties in Garhi Tarkhana village in Machhiwara Sahib late on Saturday night, destroying over 12 shanties and leaving countless people without belongings. The blaze resulted in the loss of seven animals, including six goats and a cow, as well as significant damage to personal property, including a motorcycle, cash, ration and clothing.

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Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started around midnight, with one of the residents, Sonu, telling how he got up due to heat of the fire and managed to escape with his family. Despite efforts to control the blaze, it quickly spread, engulfing multiple shanties and reducing them to ashes.

The incident also affected local businesses, with two shops, including a clothing store owned by Sita Ram Mukhiya and a small clothing and shoe shop, being destroyed. The fire brigade arrived and managed to contain the fire but it had caused extensive damage by then.

In the aftermath of the fire, the affected families appealed for assistance from the administration. Many suspect that the fire might had been intentionally set. They are demanding a police investigation in the incident.