MANSEHRA/ABBOTTABAD: Over 20 shops and houses were gutted when a fire engulfed a market and adjoining houses in Mahandri area of Kaghan valley on Friday.

In a similar incident in Abbottabad, at least 12 shops and a block of Army Burns Hall Junior Girls College were reduced to ashes at Gami Adda on Karakuram Highway.

People of Mahandri in Kaghan told reporters that at least 24 shops and eight houses were gutted in the fire presumably caused by short circuit. However, assistant commissioner Ali Asghar Khan, who also reached the spot, said nine shops and two houses were burnt.

“People rushed to the spot and did their best to bring the fire under control but their efforts didn’t bear fruit as the flame was raging until fire tender reached the spot and put it out,” said Mohammad Khaqan, a local. He told media men that he had suffered a loss of Rs24 million as his family’s 16 shops and a three-storey house were reduced to ashes in the fire.

Akhtar Hussain, whose house was also destroyed in the incident, said fire tender reached the spot from Balakot a bit late.

He said had fire tenders reached the spot on time extensive damage to properties could have been avoided.

Balakot assistant commissioner Ali Asghar met with the affected families and assured them of compensation.

Kaghan police after registering FIR started investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident In Abbottabad, fire broke out in a foam shop around 1.30pm and quickly engulfed the whole market.

People said that a block of the Army Burns Hall Junior Girls College was collapsed in the incident. However, no human loss was caused as the college was closed on account of winter vacations.

It couldn’t be known what caused the fire as most shops were closed due to Friday prayers.

Fire fighters of Cantonment Board, municipal committees of Abbottabad and Havelian and local people succeeded to bring the fire under control after three hours.

Abbottabad assistant commissioner Osama Warraich also reached the spot and supervised rescue operation.