Shillong: A fierce fire erupted last night at the SOS Children’s Village situated near Lad Umsaw in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, leaving a trail of significant destruction.
Reports indicate that approximately 80 per cent of one of the residential buildings was consumed by the flames before the swift response of emergency services brought the situation under control.
Prompt action by the Fire and Emergency Services proved crucial in containing the inferno and preventing its spread to other buildings within the children’s home complex.
Authorities have confirmed that, thankfully, no injuries were sustained during the incident, offering a sense of relief amidst the devastation.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Ri Bhoi Police suggest that an electrical short circuit was the likely cause of the fire in the 25-year-old wooden structure.
Officials have stated that their initial assessment has not revealed any indications of foul play.
In a public statement released on their Facebook page, the Ri Bhoi Police acknowledged the timely intervention of the Fire and Emergency Services in extinguishing the blaze. Their message concluded with a poignant appeal to the community: “Help Us To Help You!”
The affected building, constructed largely from wood and planks, formed an integral part of the SOS Children’s Village, an organisation dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for children in need of care and support.
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