KATHMANDU: At least 40 houses were destroyed in a massive fire that broke in a sukumbasi settlement (slum) in Balkhu, in front of the fruits market in Kuleshwor, Kathmandu last night.

The fire was sparked by a traditional oil-fed lamp at the house of Man Bahadur BK that quickly spread onto neighbouring houses.

As many as 15 Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders blew up, razing down food items, clothes, furniture and all other belongings in all 40 houses on Saturday night, according to local Shyam Das Pandey.

Similarly, three people were hurt in the blaze.

The firefighting team of Nepal Army mobilised five fire brigades to douse the massive fire.

Further details of the incident are awaited.