At least 27 houses were destroyed in a massive fire that broke out at Jayagadh Bazaar in Bannigadhi Jayagadh Rural Municipality, Achham, on Tuesday night.

According to police, the fire started after a cooking gas cylinder exploded at a remittance centre operated by Pushparaj Sharma in the main market area. The flames quickly engulfed surrounding structures, causing extensive damage.

Among the destroyed buildings, 11 housed shops run by local traders.

Achham Police Chief Ishwori Prasad Bhandari said the estimated loss exceeds Rs70 million. He added that a detailed assessment of damages from the victims would be collected soon.