The Bhutanese Leading the way.
On 12 June 2024 a fire broke out in a 4 storey building above the Dr Building in Changzamtog, Thimphu.
As per sources, the fire that originated in Flat No. 9 of the building had quickly spread to the flats in the attic, endangering the entire structure. While other residents managed to evacuate, a young couple who had recently moved into the flat found themselves trapped as the flames intensified.
Efforts to rescue the couple were met with challenges, as a long ladder brought by residents fell short of reaching the roof where the couple sought refuge.
The wife, 22, in a desperate attempt to escape, had to hang on to the roof side for a few minutes, but tragically losing her grip and falling down. The residents pulled a ladder for the deceased to climb down, however, in a panic state she had slipped, and immediately she got hold of the roof edge and hung on for a few minutes. Then the residents and people gathered around promptly stretched out a blanket for her to jump on.
She sustained severe injuries after her head collided with an Indian laborer’s leg. The Indian laborer and some residents were holding the blanket to catch the falling woman.
The wife, who was a DeSuup, succumbed to her injuries the following day. Questions are being raised if a proper fire ladder used in western countries could have saved her.
The 24-year-old husband, who sustained minor injuries by jumping from the tree side, was discharged on 13 May, while the injured Indian laborer is scheduled for an operation due to serious damage to his left leg.
Kinley Wangmo, a resident of the building, shared the disturbing experience of witnessing the fire and the subsequent evacuation of her family. Despite the loss of their belongings, she expressed gratitude that her family members, consisting of her husband, grandmother, younger brother and 3 kids, are safe, although traumatized by the incident.
“I was the first person to see the fire which started from my opposite flat. Since my middle daughter was having a throat pain, we decided to take her to emergency ward for check-up. My husband was just starting his vehicle in the parking ready to go, and somehow surprisingly, I felt or heard my eldest daughter calling out from the balcony. I looked and shockingly saw a fire burst coming from the opposite flat, and then I started panicking and shouting. Before even saving my family, I called the RBP informing about the fire. When I checked the time, it was 8:30 pm.”
The two children, who are students in class 5 and class 1 have lost all their books and uniforms in the fire incident. The youngest child is just 10 months old and her grandmother 68. They only have the clothes they wore and a statue with them.
The residents shared that the reason the couple were on the roof could be that their window was connected to the roof, and so the couple, in panic, might have thought they would be safer there and be saved. The couple’s pet dog was burnt to death.
The 4 flats, including Flat No.9 where the fire broke, the opposite flat and 2 attic flats and all belongings have been burnt. For now, these families are adjusting with relatives, and hoping to restart living normal lives.
Currently, the residents are struggling with ash particles drifting in the air from the fire, along with water leakage due to the destruction of the water tanks. They mentioned that while they have seen videos of fire incidents, experiencing one firsthand was traumatic.
One of the residents said she was on the verge of having a heart attack during the chaos, with her legs immobilized, and she was unable to speak, overcome by fear and shock.
Another resident expressed gratitude for the presence of three water tanks in the attic, noting that the water from the tanks has likely prevented the fire from spreading further and escalating in intensity.
Families shared that their children were deeply affected by the traumatic event, struggling to sleep through the night.
Also, the house owner shared that the restoration of the upper flats is estimated to require approximately 3-4 months. The roofing, three water tanks, two attic flats, and 2 flats were destroyed in the fire, along with two electrical lines, and water leakage in the ceilings of flats 6 and 7, making them inhabitable.
However, electricity is reconnected for unaffected flats and water connections are facilitated through the Thromde lines within the city. Currently, residents of flats 6, 1, and 2 have returned, while others are staying with relatives.
In response to the needs of those affected, donations such as mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, and clothing are being sought. The building owner expressed intentions to install fire extinguishers to enhance safety measures in the future.
The police suspect the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit and are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Assessments by the Royal Insurance Corporation is underway to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the support needed for recovery efforts.
