Jammu, 8th June 2021: A massive fire broke out in the Mata Vaishno Devi temple premise in Katra, Jammu. The fire broke out near counter number two of the Kalika Bhawan. At present, relief and rescue work is in progress.

No casualties have been reported in this incident so far. As per reports, the distance of the natural cave from the place where the fire broke out is about a hundred meters. Flames of fire were visible till Bhairon valley. The fire is said to have started due to a short circuit in the counting room near the VIP gate.

According to the information received, a fire broke out inside a cash counting room adjacent to the building or sanctum. There has been considerable damage to the building. Visuals, after the fire was put out, showed that it was almost completely burnt. The fire started around four fifteen pm and was brought under control by five pm. The initial alarm was blown by CRPF personnel posted there.

Every month lakhs of devotees reach for the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. However, fortunately, this incident happened during the restrictions that were put there to deal with Corona. Due to this, not many people were present. Had this taken place during normal days, there could have been untoward incidents like stampede among the devotees.

“A fire did break down in Vaishno Devi, but at present, it has been brought under control but, we will have to keep a close watch for a few hours,” said Union Minister Jitendra Singh.