Fire Destroys 14 Shops in Gothatar, Kathmandu

A massive fire broke out in Gothatar, Kathmandu, on Saturday night, destroying 14 shops and injuring one person.

The fire started at around 9:15 pm at a wooden godown and shops near Pahelo Pul in Gokarneshwar Municipality-5, Gothatar. The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, according to local resident Ravindra Bhattarai, who runs the wooden godown.

Following the fire, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, and local security teams were deployed to control the blaze. Around 175 police personnel were involved in the operation. With the help of nine fire engines, three water tankers, and local residents, the fire was brought under control by 11 pm.

Narish Thapa, 37, a resident of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality-9, Gothatar, was injured while trying to put out the fire. Thapa, who fell from the roof of a shop, was treated at the local hospital and later referred to the National Trauma Centre in Sundhara for further treatment.

The fire destroyed 14 shops, including various businesses, causing significant financial losses to the owners. However, the police have not yet released the detailed report of the losses.