Srinagar, November 04, 2026

A devastating fire in Srinagar's Bemina area has left two people dead after sweeping through a settlement of makeshift shelters. The incident at Durbal caused extensive damage, with several temporary structures reduced to ashes. The recovery of two bodies after the blaze was brought under control has added to the gravity of the incident.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Fire & Emergency Services, the fire erupted at around 12:23 AM, engulfing nearly 80 temporary shelters built with tarpaulin and wooden materials. An unoccupied poultry farm and a tipper vehicle were also caught in the flames. Fire and emergency teams worked to contain the blaze, and two bodies were subsequently found beneath the debris.

The deceased were identified as Mohammad Noor Alam, aged 27, and Al Ameen, aged 16. Both were reportedly working as scrap collectors. Following the completion of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) proceedings, their bodies were handed over to the local police.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, according to Fire & Emergency Services. Further examination is expected to establish how the blaze started and what led to its rapid spread across the temporary settlement.