KATHMANDU: A massive fire broke out today in Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality-5 of Saptari district, completely destroying 12 houses.

According to the police, the fire suddenly started from the residence of a local resident, Buchu Khanga, and quickly spread to engulf the homes of five neighboring families. Local resident Manoj Mehta informed that the houses belonging to Sagan Khanga, Dukhai Khanga, Lakhan Khanga, and Narayan Khanga were entirely reduced to ashes in the incident.

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the damages are estimated to be around Rs 2.5 million, Mehta added.

According to the District Police Office, the fire was eventually brought under control through the joint efforts of local residents and police personnel.