Tragic House Fire in Akola Claims Three Lives, Including Child
A horrific house fire erupted on Thursday evening in Adgaon Budruk village, located in Akot tehsil of Akola district, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals. The blaze, which broke out around 7pm near the weekly market, has left the local community in shock and mourning.
Victims Identified as Tenants in Rented Property
The victims were tenants residing in a house owned by Sheikh Ibrahim. Among those who perished were six-year-old Swara Prabhudas Solanke and 27-year-old Anil Ukarda Chavan, both of whom were trapped inside the burning structure and succumbed to severe burns on the spot.
Fifty-five-year-old Ratna Ukarda Chavan suffered critical burns in the incident. She was initially rushed to Akot Rural Hospital but, as her condition rapidly deteriorated, was referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Akola. Despite medical efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Villagers Point to Improperly Stored Diesel as Key Factor
Local sources and residents have strongly alleged that a large stock of diesel, stored inside the house in an unsafe and unauthorized manner, played a significant role in the tragedy. They claim the improperly stored fuel caused the fire to intensify with alarming speed, leaving the occupants with virtually no opportunity to escape the rapidly spreading flames.
"The diesel stock was carelessly kept inside, and it likely acted as fuel for the blaze, making it uncontrollable in moments," one villager stated, reflecting the community's distress over the incident.
Contrasting Accounts: Police Investigation Underway
When contacted by media, Akot Assistant Commissioner of Police Nikhil Patil and Shivarkhed police station inspector Gajanan Rathod indicated that a short circuit is currently being considered as the preliminary cause of the fire. However, villagers have openly disputed this initial assessment, insisting that the diesel storage was a major contributing factor to the massive fire.
Police officials have clarified that the exact cause will only be confirmed after comprehensive forensic examinations and detailed reports from the fire department are received. A forensic laboratory van was deployed to the scene, and panchnama proceedings continued late into the night as part of the ongoing investigation.
Firefighting Efforts and Healthcare Lapses Exposed
Residents and the gram panchayat swiftly arranged water supplies to assist firefighting operations. Fire tenders from Telhara and Akot were dispatched to the scene and, after a prolonged and challenging operation, managed to bring the blaze under control.
The tragic incident also exposed concerning lapses in local healthcare services. Initially, the victims were taken to a nearby primary health centre, but no doctor or medical staff was available at the facility. This critical delay forced villagers to transport the injured to Akot Rural Hospital themselves, highlighting systemic issues in emergency medical response.
The community remains in mourning as authorities continue their investigation into the precise circumstances that led to this devastating loss of life.
