Anantnag: A teenage boy died after a fire broke out at a seminary in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said. The incident has triggered shock and grief in the local community, with authorities launching an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
According to preliminary reports, the fire erupted inside the seminary premises during the early hours. Students and staff reportedly noticed smoke and attempted to control the flames before alerting emergency services. Fire and rescue teams rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control after several minutes of effort.
However, during a search operation inside the building, rescuers found the body of a teenage student who was trapped inside the structure. Officials confirmed that the boy could not escape in time as the fire spread rapidly within parts of the building.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially disclosed, but local sources said he was a student residing at the seminary hostel. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination as part of standard procedure.
Authorities have initiated a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. While the reason is not yet confirmed, officials are examining possibilities such as an electrical short circuit or accidental ignition. Forensic teams have also been deployed to inspect the site and collect evidence.
Police said statements from eyewitnesses, staff members, and other students are being recorded to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the incident. Security has been tightened in the area to ensure safety and prevent any further incidents.
Local residents and community members gathered near the seminary after news of the incident spread, expressing deep sorrow over the death of the student. The incident has left the area in mourning, with many calling for stricter fire safety measures in educational and religious institutions.
Officials from the district administration have assured that a thorough probe will be conducted and necessary action will be taken based on findings. They also emphasized the importance of fire safety compliance in all residential educational facilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incident has once again raised concerns over safety standards in institutional buildings, particularly those housing students, as investigations continue in Anantnag.
