Rajkot Apartment Fire Claims Lives of Elderly Mother and Son
A devastating late-night fire at Manmandir Apartments on Palace Road in Rajkot has resulted in the tragic deaths of a 92-year-old woman and her 61-year-old son. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, has left the local community in shock and authorities investigating the exact cause.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fire broke out around 10:45 PM on the fourth floor of the apartment building. According to family member Forum Chandarana, only Prabha Pujara and her son Narendra Pujara were inside the flat at the time. Neighbors alerted Narendra's wife, Shilpa Pujara, who was out with other family members.
When family members returned to the apartment, they found the main door latched from the inside. Despite attempts to use a key, they were forced to break down the door to gain entry. Inside, they discovered Prabha and Narendra unconscious and immediately rushed them to the civil hospital.
Police Investigation and Findings
Police Inspector BV Borisagar of A Division Police Station confirmed that an accidental death case has been registered under section 194 of the BNSS. Initial investigations revealed that electronic items in the kitchen and hall were completely destroyed by the flames.
The police suspect the cause of death was a combination of burns and suffocation. However, they have engaged the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team to conduct a thorough examination and conclusively determine the fire's origin and cause.
Family's Perspective and Background
Family members believe suffocation played a more significant role in the deaths than burns. They noted that neither air conditioning nor lights were operational when the fire started, suggesting possible electrical issues.
Narendra Pujara, who was retired, is survived by his son, who works in the handicrafts business, and a daughter. The family had reportedly been planning to move into a new house within a month, adding to the tragedy's poignancy.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The fire brigade and police responded quickly to the midnight emergency call. Despite their prompt arrival and the family's efforts to rescue the victims, both Prabha and Narendra were pronounced dead by the on-duty doctor at the civil hospital.
This incident highlights the importance of fire safety measures in residential buildings, particularly for elderly residents who may have limited mobility during emergencies. The investigation continues as authorities work to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
