Breaking: Massive fire at Arunachal village kills 2, more casualties feared

Itanagar: At least two persons, including a 6-year-old child, have died after a massive fire broke out at Longliang Village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district on Thursday. Authorities fear more casualties will surface once they are able to assess the situation on ground.

Officials said over 100 houses were reduced to ashes in the inferno that started around 1 pm.

Longliang, which falls under the Lazu circle, is about 45 km from Khonsa, the district headquarters of Tirap. It is also the last Indian village along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said.

While Lazu extra assistant commissioner D K Thungdok is already on the spot to assess the situation, Tirap deputy commissioner Taro Mize and Karda Kabak are learnt to be on their way till the time of filing this report.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is on a personal visit to Sikkim, has been informed about the incident, officials said. He later tweeted: “Deeply pained by tragic fire accident at Longliang village under Lazu circle in Tirap district that claimed two precious lives & more than 100 houses burnt to ashes. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives. All necessary relief being extended.”

The incident took place at around 12.45 pm at Longliang village, and no fire tender could be pressed into service due to the remote location of the hamlet, Tirap deputy commissioner Taro Mije said.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained yet, he said, adding that efforts are on to douse the blaze.

“An elderly person, who was bedridden, and a girl were charred to death. The deceased have not been identified,” the official added.

This story was updated with latest information.