Massive Fire Destroys Mahashakti Soap Factory Warehouse in Hetauda, Losses Estimated at Rs 100–120 Million

Hetauda, Bagmati, Jan 25: A fire broke out last night in the warehouse of Mahashakti Soap Factory in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-8, causing extensive damage. The warehouse, located next to the main factory and used for storing finished soaps, raw materials, and packaging supplies, was completely destroyed, according to factory manager Prakash Budhathoki.

Budhathoki said, “It is currently impossible to fully assess the losses. Once the inventory is checked, a proper evaluation can be done, but nothing in the warehouse has survived; everything has turned to ashes.” He estimated that the total damage could reach Rs 100–120 million.

The fire, believed to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, broke out around midnight. Immediate attempts were made to control the blaze, but the flames quickly spread, intensifying the destruction. Two fire engines from Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, along with Nepal Police, Armed Police, and local volunteers, eventually managed to bring the fire under control, according to Pushkar Bogati, spokesperson for the Makwanpur District Police Office.

Authorities have called for a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause and extent of the damage.