A devastating fire broke out at a scrap warehouse in Molhadiya village, Neemrana area of Kotputli-Behror district, Alwar, on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and serious injuries to a woman.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as Dashrath (28) of Neemrana, Ravidat Yadav (58) of Narnaul in Haryana, Kavita (17) of Lakhimpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Aarushi (7). Police recovered the bodies late at night and shifted them to the mortuary. However, due to severe charring, authorities have initiated DNA sampling of relatives for identification.
Cause of Fire
Additional SP Suresh Khinchi stated that the intensity of the fire made identification difficult, necessitating DNA tests. Preliminary investigations point to negligence. According to reports, around 5 pm, two individuals arrived at the warehouse to collect scrap and lit a matchstick to smoke a bidi. Simultaneously, workers inside were breaking perfume bottles, causing flammable vapors to accumulate. Women present reportedly warned the men not to light the match, but their warning was ignored, triggering a fire that engulfed the warehouse within moments.
The blaze was so intense that four people trapped inside could not escape. Nearly half a dozen fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and the fire was brought under control after about three hours.
Official Response
Kotputli-Behror district collector Aparna Gupta, the SP, and other senior officials reached the site to assess the situation. The administration stated that a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause and prevent such incidents in the future.
