Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Sept 13: About 50 inmates (children) escape unhurt while entire Bal Ashram building of the Social Welfare Department was burnt after it caught fire due to suspected short- circuit in Poonch town last night.
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Official sources said that incident took place during last mid night around 12. 15 am when children were sleeping in the hall and some in the adjoining rooms. Then suddenly, due to suspected short-circuit, wires caught fire and then it spread to the entire room and adjoining hall. The vigilant children alerted all the inmates and night Chowkidar in his room.
The fire spread very fast but all the children of the Bal Ashram located near Power House in Ward No 6 of Poonch city, were removed to safer place. They tried to take out and save their belongings but could not help much. The fire also spread in the store, kitchen and other rooms. The ration and other food items, books besides quilts/ blankets and other belongings of the children were damaged in major blaze.
The Police also reached there and they informed Fire Services authorities. Two fire tenders were pressed into service but most of the building had already engulfed in big flames.
Later, DC and SSP Poonch besides officials of Social Welfare department also visited the spot.
The children were shifted to a local community hall and were provided immediate assistance by the concerned authorities. The police has taken cognizance of the matter.
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