Six family members die in Madhya Pradesh fire on Diwali night
Two people escaped safely after a blaze hit a shop and residence in Katni district, according to ANI.
Six members of a family died after a fire erupted at a plastic goods and wholesale shop in the Barhi area of Katni district on Diwali night, according to ANI. Two other people managed to escape the blaze safely.
District Collector Ashish Tiwari said the administration was notified of the incident around 12:30 am on Sunday. The first fire brigade reached the location by 12:45 am, and additional units arrived after a request reached the control room at 1:30 am.
Tiwari stated that highly flammable materials and crockery stored on the lower floor made it difficult to control the fire. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) arrived with a full contingent at 5 am to assist with the operation.
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Virendra Narve said the victims included three young children, one woman, and two elderly individuals aged approximately 70 years. The shop, owned by Puran Lal Agrawal, occupied the ground floor while his residence was on the upper floor.
SDRF official Vijayansh Chaudhary said the rescue operation lasted about five and a half hours. He confirmed that six bodies had been recovered from the site.
The administration has promised to provide full support to the affected family, including financial assistance, the Collector said.