Srinagar: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable lost his life after a massive fire broke out inside a barrack at a BSF camp in the Madar area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district Monday, officials said.
The deceased has been identified as a native of Jalandhar district in Punjab and was posted with the 62nd Battalion of the BSF. According to officials, the fire erupted during night hours while the constable was inside the barrack. The blaze spread rapidly, engulfing the structure and leaving little time for evacuation.
Despite efforts, the constable could not be rescued and was charred to death inside the barrack. His body was later recovered and shifted to the District Hospital Bandipora for medico-legal formalities. Arrangements are being made to send the body to his native village in Punjab.
Other BSF personnel in the vicinity were reported to be safe, and no other injuries were reported in the incident.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Officials have said that an internal inquiry has been initiated to determine the source of the fire and to assess whether there were any procedural lapses or technical faults that led to the tragic incident.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the BSF ranks and among the locals in the area. Senior officers have expressed condolences and assured a thorough investigation.
Local authorities, along with fire and emergency teams, reached the site soon after the incident was reported. They were able to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the camp.
The tragic loss has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards and preparedness in military and paramilitary camps, particularly during winter when heating devices are commonly in use.
