Amritsar: A devastating fire has destroyed Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar in Virginia, north of Adelaide, Australia, causing over $1 million in damage.Emergency services were alerted around 9:40pm on Sunday, prompting a massive response. Approximately 60 firefighters and 20 trucks from the Country Fire Service responded, supported by the Metropolitan Fire Service, SA Ambulance Service, SA Police and SA Power Networks. CFS Incident Controller Gerry Thomson said crews battled the blaze for nearly four hours before bringing it under control. The fire is believed to have started in or near the kitchen before rapidly spreading through the building. Refrigeration panels and gas cylinders made firefighting particularly hazardous, while a limited local water supply further hampered operations. Expressing grief, officiating Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj urged global Sikh communities to enhance safety and security measures to prevent similar tragedies. He offered prayers for the well-being and high spirits (Chardi Kala) of the community. He also sought a report.
