On Sunday evening, a catastrophic fire ravaged the Sandhya Resort, a three-story hotel located in the Rangdi area of Manali. The blaze, which broke out around 6 p.m., swiftly consumed the entire structure, reducing it to ashes. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as all 100 occupants, including tourists and staff, were safely evacuated before the fire could cause harm.
Cause of the Fire: Short Circuit Suspected
The fire is believed to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, though an official investigation is still underway. The fire department, along with local villagers, worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control, but the intensity of the flames quickly overwhelmed the building. Despite the prompt evacuation, the hotel, which had 46 rooms—34 of which were occupied by tourists—was completely gutted.
Swift Evacuation Saves Lives
Upon the outbreak of the fire, hotel staff immediately alerted the guests, enabling a rapid evacuation of the building. Thanks to their quick actions, all individuals inside, including staff and tourists, were safely escorted out of harm’s way. Local residents and the fire department’s team worked together to control the blaze, though the fire spread too quickly to save the property. DSP Manali KD Sharma confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with initial findings pointing to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause.
No Casualties, But Property Lost
Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries or fatalities, a fact that was a relief considering the high occupancy rate of the hotel at the time. Over 100 people were inside the hotel, and the emergency response team’s efficient handling of the evacuation played a crucial role in preventing further disaster.
Fire Safety Reminder for Tourism Hubs
This fire serves as a stark reminder to tourist destinations and their establishments about the importance of robust fire safety protocols. With high footfall in places like Manali, particularly in the tourist season, it becomes critical for hotels, resorts, and other accommodation facilities to ensure they are well-equipped with fire safety measures and emergency evacuation plans to prevent such disasters in the future.
A Wake-Up Call for Fire Safety
The catastrophic fire at the Sandhya Resort, while not claiming any lives, underscores the need for vigilance when it comes to fire safety in high-traffic tourist areas. As investigations continue into the cause of the blaze, authorities and hotel managements are reminded to reinforce their safety measures to ensure such incidents are avoided in the future. The swift evacuation of guests and staff highlights the importance of preparedness, but the destruction of the property serves as a somber reminder of the devastating potential of fires if not properly managed.
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