Fire and Explosions Devastate Three-Storey Home
A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at a three-storey house in the Pundlik Nagar-Gajanan Nagar area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old woman and critical injuries to her son. The deceased was identified as Sunanda More. Her son, Pravin More, sustained severe burns while attempting to rescue her. The fire was exacerbated by the explosion of a gas cylinder and a refrigerator, which punched holes through two concrete slabs and partially destroyed the building's staircase, hampering evacuation efforts.
Sequence of Events
The fire ignited around 4:30 am and initially appeared minor. Family members attempted to extinguish it, but the flames spread rapidly. A rescue operation was immediately launched to evacuate the occupants. Nine family members were eventually pulled to safety after residents and relatives broke open a rear window. According to eyewitnesses, Sunanda More was seen calling for help from a window as the fire intensified. However, before rescuers could reach her, a gas cylinder exploded, followed by the refrigerator explosion, cutting off access.
Rescue and Response
Fire brigade teams from CIDCO and Padampura stations arrived at the scene and, with the assistance of local residents, evacuated those trapped inside. The ground floor of the building housed a water sales shop, while the family resided on the upper floors. Some residents alleged that it took 30 minutes for the fire brigade to respond after they sent an alert.
The explosions caused significant structural damage, with holes in two concrete slabs and partial destruction of the staircase, complicating the rescue. Pravin More remains in critical condition, receiving treatment for severe burns.
