Three Killed, Nepali Nationals Missing in Solan Market Fire

January 12, 2026

At least three people have died, and several others are feared missing after a massive fire broke out in the Arki market area of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, in the early hours of Monday. The devastating blaze, which began late Sunday night near the Old Bus Stand, gutted numerous shops and residential structures, causing extensive damage and triggering large‑scale rescue efforts.

Local authorities say the fire erupted around 2:30–2:45 am and quickly spread through the marketplace, consuming wooden buildings and adjacent structures. The flames were intensified by explosions from LPG cylinders, making firefighting operations particularly challenging.

Victims and Missing Persons

Among the confirmed fatalities is an eight‑year‑old boy identified as Priyansh, a resident of Bihar, whose body was recovered from the blaze. Police have also confirmed two additional deaths, bringing the toll to three, while several others remain unaccounted for amid the debris.

Officials fear that several Nepali nationals, including migrant workers and their family members, may be trapped under the rubble, as accounts from residents and initial reports indicate they were inside affected buildings when the fire broke out. Rescue teams continue to scour the site in search of the missing.

Response and Rescue Operations

Fire tenders from multiple nearby locations — including Arki, Solan, Nalagarh and Boileauganj — were rushed to the scene, along with assistance from units at the Ambuja Cement plant. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Home Guards and local police joined firefighting and search operations to contain the blaze and locate survivors.

By early Monday morning, a major part of the fire had been brought under control, but search operations continued amid a pall of smoke and debris. Authorities are using JCB machines and additional equipment to clear rubble and reach hard‑to‑access areas.

Official Reactions and Support Measures

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the incident and directed district officials to prioritize relief and rescue operations. He also asked for immediate support and assistance to be provided to victims’ families and those displaced by the fire.

Local MLA Sanjay Awasthi visited the site to coordinate efforts with police and rescue teams, emphasizing the need to expedite both rescue and relief work for affected residents.

Investigation and Next Steps

Authorities have ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains uncertain. Initial assessments suggest that the blaze may have originated in a wooden structure before rapidly engulfing adjacent shops and homes. Police say the LPG cylinder explosions contributed to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire.

As search and relief operations continue, officials are appealing to locals for any information that might help locate missing persons and clarify the incident’s origin. The community has been left in shock as widespread damage and loss of life are assessed in the aftermath of this tragic event.