Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire incident in Indore that claimed eight lives and left several others injured.
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
In a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi said he was “deeply pained” by the loss of lives and assured support to the victims’ families during this difficult time.
Fire Triggered by Electric Car Short Circuit
According to police, the massive fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday in Brijeshwari Colony. The incident reportedly began around 4 am due to a short circuit while an electric car was being charged outside a house.
The vehicle caught fire suddenly, and the flames quickly spread to the residence of the Pugaliya family, engulfing the entire structure within minutes.
Gas Cylinder Blasts Worsened Situation
The situation turned more dangerous as multiple gas cylinders stored inside the house intensified the blaze. Officials said at least two cylinders exploded, causing further destruction and making rescue efforts difficult.
Preliminary findings suggest that around 12 gas cylinders were present in the house, along with flammable materials, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
8 Dead, Several Injured
Eight people lost their lives in the tragic incident, while two others sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
Authorities rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations, but the intensity of the fire and explosions made it challenging to control the situation quickly.
Investigation Underway
Police have begun an investigation into the exact cause of the fire, with initial reports pointing to a blast at the electric vehicle charging point as the trigger.
Officials are also examining safety measures related to EV charging and storage of gas cylinders in residential areas to prevent such incidents in the future.
Nation Mourns Tragic Loss
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, raising serious concerns about fire safety and electrical hazards in residential zones.
With lives lost and families devastated, the tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter safety protocols to prevent such deadly accidents.
