A devastating fire broke out in the quiet hamlet of Mungpoo in Darjeeling district during the early hours of Monday, leaving a trail of destruction. The blaze, which originated in the Chowrasta area, completely gutted four houses and two shops within minutes. While no casualties were reported, properties worth lakhs of rupees were reduced to ashes.

According to local sources, the fire started when residents were fast asleep. Due to the high-velocity mountain winds and the wooden structures of the buildings, the flames spread rapidly to adjacent properties. Panic-stricken residents fled their homes as the inferno grew. Two fire engines were rushed to the spot, and after hours of struggle, they managed to bring the situation under control. By then, furniture, cash, and vital documents had been destroyed.

Preliminary investigations by the fire department suggest a short circuit as the cause of the mishap. GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa and Darjeeling Municipality Chairman Dipen Thakuri visited the site to take stock of the situation. Thapa assured full support to the victims, stating, “We are arranging food and shelter for the affected families and will provide administrative assistance to recover lost documents.”