A catastrophic fire late Friday night claimed the lives of five family members in Motipur, Muzaffarpur, as flames swiftly consumed their three-story residence while they slept. The fire erupted in a house located in Ward No 13, leaving the residents with scant opportunity to escape as it spread throughout the structure. The victims included a couple, their two young children, and an elderly mother. Additionally, five individuals, including three women, suffered serious burns, with four reported to be in critical condition. The injured were transported to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), where medical professionals indicated that several victims had burns covering as much as 98% of their bodies.
One young man with minor injuries is receiving care at the Motipur Primary Health Centre. Police officer Suchitra Kumari stated that the fire originated on the third floor of the residence, and an investigation is currently underway. Initial speculation of a cylinder explosion has been dismissed by authorities, with residents believing that a short circuit may have ignited the fire. The chairman of the Motipur Nagar Parishad confirmed that the Forensic Science Laboratory has been enlisted to ascertain the precise cause. A neighbor, Chhote Lal Gupta, remarked, ‘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 are still evaluating the damage as the community copes with one of the most sorrowful events in recent memory.