Fire destroys thukpa industry, house in Jhapa; losses estimated at Rs 13 million

Baniyani (Jhapa), Jan 9: Property worth around Rs 13 million was destroyed after a fire broke out at a thukpa (traditional Tibetan noodle soup) industry in Damak Municipality–9, Jhapa, on Friday.

According to the District Police Office, the blaze started at Swastik Thukpa Industry, owned by Padam Bhandari of Damak–9, due to an electrical fault. The fire quickly spread to a nearby residential area, engulfing a three-storey concrete house.

District Police Office spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka said the entire industry was gutted, while all belongings inside the neighbouring house were also reduced to ashes.

Local residents, security personnel and multiple fire engines worked together to control the blaze. Fire tenders from Damak, Urlabari, Gauradaha, Pathari Shanishchare, Shivasatakshi municipalities and Kamal Rural Municipality were deployed in the firefighting effort.

Police confirmed that both the industry and the house were completely destroyed, with total losses estimated at nearly Rs 13 million. Further details are awaited.