Muzaffarpur: A devastating fire late on Friday night has killed five members of a family in Motipur, Muzaffarpur, after flames rapidly engulfed their three-storey home while they were asleep.
The blaze broke out at a house in Ward No 13, leaving the occupants with little chance to escape as the fire spread through the building. The deceased include a couple, their two young children and an elderly mother. Five others, including three women, sustained severe burns. Four of them are reported to be in critical condition.
The injured were taken to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), where doctors said several victims had suffered burns covering up to 98% of their bodies. One young man with minor injuries is being treated at the Motipur Primary Health Centre.
Police officer Suchitra Kumari said the fire started on the third floor of the house and that an investigation was under way. Although initial rumours suggested a cylinder explosion, authorities have ruled this out. Residents believe a short circuit may have triggered the blaze.
The chairman of the Motipur Nagar Parishad said the Forensic Science Laboratory had been called in to determine the exact cause. A neighbour, Chhote Lal Gupta, said: “A short circuit caused the fire in the house. The other family members who suffered burns were sleeping in another room. Four injured people have been brought to Muzaffarpur. Five have died.”
Officials continue to assess the damage as the community reels from one of the most tragic incidents in recent years.
