SHILLONG, Dec 10: In a heart-rending incident, two children have reportedly gone missing after a massive fire gutted 5-6 houses at a locality in Mawbah here on Tuesday evening.
The fire was caused due to short circuit, according to the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Raghavendra Kumar MG, who along with his team had rushed to the spot.
All the families were rescued except the two children, who have been reportedly missing till the filing of this report.
The makeshift wooden houses were built above a building, which made it visible from many locations, especially in Mawprem.
The population was panic-stricken as flames kept spreading rapidly to eventually engulf all houses on the building top.
At least 3 cylinder blasts were heard, according to eye witnesses.
The forensic unit had arrived to examine the site, while a thorough search was on to find the missing children.
It became a herculean task for six fire engines that reached the spot as the houses that caught fire were located in such a place that it was not possible for them to get there. But connecting hose pipes, the firefighters managed to pour water on the raging fire from a slightly distant but effective location, which was the temple nearby, and brought the situation under control.
Apart from the inaccessibility of the location, the rush of people created more problems for fire tenders to perform their task.
After an effort of nearly an hour, the fire was finally extinguished.
West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang, who was at the scene, was gravely concerned about the narrow roads in the area, and urged the state government to take measures to extend the narrow roads in the locality.
The MLA said that necessary relief would be given to the affected families.
