PRAYAGRAJ: A mother lost her life while saving her children from a massive fire that broke out in a crockery trader’s house in Prayagraj earlier this week. The tragic incident took place on the night of May 12 in the narrow lane of Naini Bazaar in Prayagraj’s trans-Yamuna area, where a devastating blaze engulfed a multi-storey residential building.
Fire Suspected Due to Short Circuit
According to reports, the fire is suspected to have started due to a short circuit in the ground-floor godown and rapidly spread through the building, trapping several family members on the upper floors. Amid thick smoke and flames, the deceased mother, Archana Kesarwani, continued trying to save her children and relatives for nearly 30 minutes.
Heroic Rescue Efforts
In a desperate attempt to rescue her family, she first wrapped her one-year-old child in a bedsheet and handed the infant across to neighbours standing on a nearby rooftop. The child was safely rescued. She then arranged a ladder between the rooftops and managed to send her two daughters (aged 13 and 10) and a nephew to safety. However, while rescuing the others, she became trapped in the smoke and flames.
Injuries and Casualties
Officials said the woman suffered severe burn injuries and later died during treatment. One of her daughters also sustained burn injuries and is undergoing treatment, while another family member suffered fractures after jumping from the building during the panic. Local residents said the narrow lanes delayed the entry of fire brigade vehicles, making rescue operations difficult. Around a dozen fire tenders were later pressed into service to control the blaze, which was finally brought under control after several hours.
Video Sparks Outpouring of Praise
A video of the woman rescuing her children amid the flames surfaced on Saturday and has drawn widespread praise for her courage and sacrifice. Residents across the city have hailed her bravery and described her actions as an extraordinary example of a mother risking everything to save her children.
About the Author: Rajeev Mani has been working in TOI's Prayagraj bureau for the past two decades, covering beats from education to excise and taxation to aviation. He loves travelling, singing and meeting people, especially academics. He has extensively covered two Ardh Kumbhs (2007 and 2019) and two Maha Kumbhs (2013 and 2025) along with different assembly and General Elections.
