Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nine Nepali nationals, including five minors, were killed in a fire triggered by an LPG gas leak in Himachal Pradesh, India, late Sunday night.
The incident occurred in Arki area of Solan district at around 2:45 am, according to Indian media reports.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Solan, Manmohan Sharma, the fire broke out in a wooden building and spread rapidly to nearby structures, destroying several houses and shops.
The deceased have been identified as Dhan Bahadur BK (33), his wife Kabita (32), daughters Radha (16) and Renuka (10), and son Raja. Similarly, Kashiram BK (47), his wife Tika (32), daughter Anu (12) and son Kiran (7).
The victims were reportedly trapped inside the building and are believed to have died from suffocation after the fire spread.
All nine deceased are from Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipality–2 of Salyan. Takura
Keshar Pariyar, the spokesperson for the rural municipality, confirmed that all nine deceased are from Siddha Kumakh.
“The two families had been living in Himachal for the past three years. One of the deceased, Dhan Bahadur BK, had told me few days ago over the phone that they would return to the village in April. It won’t happen now,” Pariyar said.
He added that one of Dhan Bahadur’s brothers left for Himachal Pradesh, India, on Tuesday.
