Overview
- The blaze broke out around 2 a.m. in the Old Bus Stand area of Arki in Solan district, gutting shops and nearby residences.
- A child, estimated at seven to eight years old, has been confirmed dead, and at least seven to nine people are missing or feared trapped.
- State and national disaster-response teams have joined local police and fire brigades as search and firefighting operations continue.
- Fire tenders were rushed from Arki, Solan, Nalagarh, and Boieluganj to contain the flames and protect adjacent structures.
- Officials say the missing include migrant labourer families from Nepal and Bihar, with ex-gratia relief pledged once rescue efforts conclude.