A devastating fire broke out at Gandhi Basti in Guwahati on Thursday morning, reducing more than 30 houses to ashes and leaving dozens of families homeless. The blaze, which started around 11 am at Anu Baruah Path in Gandhi Basti Tiniali, caused property damage worth several lakhs, though no casualties have been reported.
The fire originated at a residential complex owned by Munna Newar, who had rented out approximately 20 one and two-room houses to tenants. Eyewitnesses reported that plumes of black smoke engulfed the entire area as the flames rapidly spread through the densely packed housing complex.
The situation escalated when eight LPG cylinders exploded in quick succession, intensifying the blaze and causing it to spread to a neighboring row of around 10 houses rented out by Aminur Rahman. The proximity of the structures, built closely alongside one another, facilitated the rapid spread of flames.
Most of the affected residents were daily wage laborers and petty traders who were away from their homes when the fire erupted. Despite the extensive property damage, the absence of residents during working hours prevented any loss of life.
“We have lost everything. Everything has been reduced to ash. I am a daily wage labourer and my husband is an auto driver. We worked day and night to earn our bread. Now everything has been reduced to ash,” said one affected woman, capturing the desperation of families who lost their homes and belongings.
Residents were seen frantically attempting to salvage whatever possessions they could as the fire consumed house after house in the congested settlement.
Local residents expressed frustration over the delayed response of fire services, alleging that fire tenders arrived late at the scene. “Had they arrived early, the devastation could have been minimized,” said residents at the site.
Fire department personnel battled the blaze for more than an hour before successfully bringing it under control. The challenging conditions, including narrow lanes and closely built structures, complicated firefighting efforts in the densely populated area.
