Six Members of Family Burnt Alive in Tragic House Fire in Meerut; Probe Underway
Meerut: In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has left an entire neighbourhood in shock, six members of a family were burnt alive after a devastating fire engulfed their home in Kidwai Nagar in Meerut late Monday night.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, with preliminary findings suggesting either an electrical short circuit or a possible gas leak, though officials have not ruled out other angles.
Among the dead were five children and a woman. All male family members had gone to a Masjid for Namaz. The three-storeyed house is owned by one Iqbal.
The Incident
According to police sources, the fire broke out shortly before midnight in a densely populated residential locality. Neighbours reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound followed by screams for help.
Within minutes, flames had rapidly spread through the house, trapping the family inside.
Sources said the fire first erupted on the ground floor, which houses the godown. Flames and smoke erupted those on the upper floors of the house could not come down.
Residents attempted to douse the fire using water and sand while alerting emergency services. However, by the time fire tenders arrived and managed to bring the blaze under control, the damage had already been catastrophic.
All six occupants of the house — believed to include a couple, their children, and elderly family members — were found unconscious inside the charred structure. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead.
Possible Cause: Electrical Fault or Gas Leak
Fire department officials stated that initial assessment points toward a short circuit as a possible trigger, which may have quickly ignited inflammable materials inside the house.
Another line of investigation focuses on a suspected LPG cylinder leak, which could have intensified the blaze.
Forensic teams have collected samples from the site to determine the exact cause. “We are examining all possibilities. The final cause will be established after a detailed forensic report,” a senior police officer said.
Authorities have confirmed that there were no immediate signs of foul play, but investigators are carefully reviewing evidence and questioning neighbours to rule out any criminal angle.
Rapid Spread, Limited Escape
Officials noted that the narrow lanes of the locality and closely built houses made access difficult for fire tenders, potentially delaying rescue efforts. Eyewitnesses said the fire spread unusually fast, leaving little time for escape.
Preliminary reports indicate that the house may have lacked adequate ventilation and emergency exits, factors that can significantly worsen fire-related casualties.
Community in Shock
The tragedy has sent waves of grief across the area.
Residents described the family as quiet and well-regarded in the neighbourhood. Several community members gathered outside the gutted home on Wednesday morning, struggling to come to terms with the loss.
District authorities have assured that financial assistance will be provided to the surviving relatives.
Officials also announced a review of fire safety awareness in residential areas, urging citizens to regularly inspect electrical wiring and gas connections.
Call for Fire Safety Vigilance
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of densely populated urban settlements to sudden fire outbreaks. Fire officials have reiterated the importance of:
- Regular electrical maintenance
- Proper installation and inspection of LPG cylinders
- Installation of smoke detectors
- Keeping emergency exits accessible
As investigations continue, the city mourns a devastating loss that serves as a grim reminder of how swiftly domestic accidents can turn fatal.
Further details are awaited pending the forensic examination report.
