Cuttack, Nov 9 (UDN): A devastating fire in a three-storey residential building in Cuttack’s Dargha Bazar area claimed the life of a six-year-old boy and left an elderly man critically injured in the early hours of Monday.
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The child, who was rescued from the burning building and rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. The elderly man also sustained critical injuries and remains under medical care.
The incident occurred around 5 am in the Hatipokhari area, triggering panic among residents as flames rapidly spread through the building.
LPG Cylinder Explosions Intensify Blaze
According to reports, the fire broke out while several members of a family were inside the three-storey building. The situation turned particularly dangerous after three LPG cylinders were found inside the premises. Two of them reportedly exploded during the incident, intensifying the blaze and making rescue operations more challenging.
On receiving information, fire personnel from Buxi Bazaar Fire Station rushed to the spot, accompanied by police teams.
Fire Officer Prashant Dhal said two fire service teams were deployed to rescue people trapped inside the building. The six-year-old boy and an elderly man were rescued from the rear side of the building and immediately shifted to the hospital.
He said the main entrance was locked, while the intensity of the flames made it difficult for firefighters to enter through the front.
Five People Rescued From Building
Firefighters and police personnel carried out an intensive rescue operation to bring those trapped inside to safety.
Apart from the two critically affected victims, three other people were rescued from the building. While a woman escaped unharmed, the remaining two were shifted to the hospital for medical attention.
After prolonged efforts, firefighters managed to bring the flames under control and prevent the situation from worsening.
ACP Girija Sankar Chakraborty, Zone-II, Cuttack, said police personnel reached the location soon after receiving information about the incident at around 5 am and joined the firefighting and rescue efforts.
Family In Shock After Child’s Death
The tragedy has left the family devastated, particularly following the death of the young boy.
A relative of the deceased said the child’s parents and other family members were inside the house when the fire broke out.
“My sister, her husband and their son were there. Her mother-in-law was also present. I have lost my nephew. We are unable to understand how this happened,” the relative said.
Meanwhile, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Further details are awaited as the incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety in residential buildings, particularly those where access and emergency exits may be obstructed.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of fire safety arrangements, accessible emergency exits and prompt evacuation measures in multi-storey residential buildings.