Six Family Members Perish in Suspected LPG Blast During Maghi Festival in Himachal
A devastating fire claimed six lives in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district on Wednesday night. The victims included three children. Preliminary reports point to a suspected LPG cylinder explosion as the cause.
Victims Identified as Family Celebrating Makar Sankranti
The family had gathered at their maternal house in Talangana village under Ghanduri panchayat to observe the Maghi festival, which marks Makar Sankranti. The deceased are:
- Naresh Kumar, 50
- His wife Tripta Devi, 44
- Her sister Kavita, 36
- Kavita's three children: Kritika (13), Sarika (13), and Kartik (3)
Kavita's husband, Lokender Kumar, survived the blaze. Authorities rescued him from the burning house. Tragically, two cows and one calf also died in the fire.
Sequence of Events as Described by Survivor
Lokender Kumar provided a statement to the police. He explained that the family had come to his in-laws' house specifically for the Maghi festival celebrations. His sister-in-law and her husband were also present.
"After having dinner together on Wednesday night, the family went to sleep around 11 pm," the police report stated. "Around 3 am, smoke suddenly filled the room. This was followed by a loud explosion from the kitchen. The house quickly became engulfed in flames."
Emergency Response and Political Reactions
Fire brigade and police teams responded promptly after receiving alerts. They worked to control the fire and investigate the scene.
BJP national president J P Nadda expressed profound grief over the incident. He urged the Himachal Pradesh government to provide all necessary help to the victims' kin. Former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also conveyed his condolences and called for full assistance to the affected family.
Congress president and MLA from Sri Renukaji, Vinay Kumar, commented on the tragedy. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution when using gas burners inside homes, especially during the ongoing winter season.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire. The investigation remains active as officials work to determine the precise circumstances leading to the explosion.
This incident has cast a shadow over the Maghi festival celebrations in the region. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with LPG usage in residential settings. The local community is mourning the loss of six lives in such a sudden and tragic manner.
