Six family members die in Seoni house fire
A short circuit is suspected to have caused the blaze at a jewellery trader's residence in Madhya Pradesh.
Six members of a family died after a fire erupted at a residence in the Chhapara block of Seoni district around 4 am on Monday, according to ANI.
Seoni Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Lalchandani said approximately 10 people were in the house when the blaze started. Six people died from burn injuries and suffocation, while police and local residents rescued four others.
The deceased have been identified as Kundan Lal Soni, his wife Rajkumari Soni, their daughter Ritu Soni, two daughters-in-law Smriti Soni and Surya Soni, and a grandson Aditya Soni. Two sons, a grandson, and a granddaughter were among those saved.
Lalchandani stated that Kundan Soni operated a jewellery shop on the ground floor with his home located above it. He noted that inadequate ventilation and various locks in the shop may have hindered escape attempts.
A preliminary assessment suggests a short circuit might have triggered the fire. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team and the electricity department have been called to conduct a technical investigation to determine the exact cause.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and a recent fire in Katni district, announcing financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased.