Tragic news emerged from Dhanbad’s Vikas Nagar following a devastating fire in a three-story residential building that occurred late Monday night. The inferno claimed the lives of two individuals, identified as Prashant Kumar, 22, and his grandmother, Chintamani Devi, 70. Two other people sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized. A total of 15 people were reportedly inside the house when the fire broke out.
The fire is understood to have begun on the ground floor, quickly spreading suffocating smoke throughout the premises. Occupants were in deep sleep, leading to immediate panic and confusion. Residents on the upper levels were able to evacuate, but those on the ground floor became trapped amidst the smoke. Local volunteers attempted rescue operations before the arrival of the fire brigade.
Emergency services were alerted, and three fire tenders were deployed to the scene. Firefighters worked for approximately ninety minutes under challenging conditions to subdue the blaze. The location of the building on a narrow lane significantly impeded the fire engines’ approach, according to fire department officials. The main gate being locked also contributed to the delayed rescue efforts.
Initial reports indicate the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, possibly linked to a room heater. Chintamani Devi was reportedly using a heater in her room around midnight, with the fire being noticed by others about an hour later. Prashant Kumar, who was visiting his grandmother after traveling from Patna, was caught in the fire.
Beyond the fatalities, two other individuals present on the ground floor suffered severe burns and are receiving care at a private hospital. The police have taken custody of the bodies for autopsy and have initiated a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the precise circumstances leading to the deadly fire.