Tragic Fire in Rajkot Claims Lives of Elderly Woman and Son in Fourth-Floor Flat
A devastating fire broke out late on Wednesday night at Manmandir Apartments on Palace Road in Rajkot, resulting in the tragic deaths of a 92-year-old woman and her 61-year-old son. The incident occurred on the fourth floor of the residential building, where both victims succumbed to severe burn injuries and suffocation.
Victims Identified as Prabha Pujara and Narendra Pujara
The deceased have been identified as Prabha Pujara, aged 92, and her son, Narendra Pujara, aged 61. According to police reports, the fire is widely suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, although officials have stated that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team will conduct a thorough investigation to conclusively determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Family Members Away During the Incident
At the time of the fire, several family members were not present in the flat. Narendra's son, along with his wife and their two children, had gone out for a picnic within the city. Additionally, Narendra's wife, Shilpa, had stepped out to meet a relative named Foram Chandarana. This left Prabha and Narendra alone in the apartment when the fire erupted.
Neighbors Alert Family and Attempt Rescue
Neighbors noticed flames and thick smoke billowing from the flat and immediately alerted Shilpa over the phone. Upon rushing back to the scene, Shilpa, assisted by neighbors, attempted to unlock the main door using a key but found it latched from inside. In a desperate effort to save lives, they broke open the door and discovered the elderly mother and son lying unconscious inside the smoke-filled apartment.
Immediate Medical Response and Declarations
Both victims were immediately rushed to the civil hospital for emergency treatment. However, the on-duty doctor declared them brought dead upon arrival. Family members later observed that the air conditioner and lights in the flat were still operational at the time of the incident, adding to the confusion surrounding the cause of the fire.
Police Investigation and Findings
Inspector B. V. Borisagar of the A Division police station provided details on the investigation. "This is a four-storey residential building. Electronic appliances in the kitchen and hall of the affected flat were completely charred. We have registered a case of accidental death, and further investigation is underway," he stated. The police have collected viscera samples of the deceased as part of the investigation and are recording statements from relatives to gather more information.
Additional Context and Ongoing Procedures
The Pujara family was reportedly planning to shift to a new residence within the next month, making this tragedy even more poignant. Narendra's son is engaged in the handicrafts business, and the family is now grappling with the sudden loss. As part of the ongoing investigation, police are verifying CCTV footage from the building and surrounding areas. Investigators are awaiting the FSL report to ascertain the precise cause of the fire, which will help clarify whether it was indeed due to a short circuit or other factors.
The community in Rajkot has been left in shock by this incident, highlighting the importance of fire safety measures in residential buildings. Authorities continue to urge residents to ensure proper maintenance of electrical systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
