Three from Gujarat die in Ohio motel blaze
Three members of a family originally from Gujarat were killed in a devastating fire that swept through the Econo Lodge motel in Wooster, Ohio, early on July 4, 2026. The victims were identified as Hiteshbhai Suthar, his wife Hinaben, and their 20-year-old daughter Ishani, according to local authorities.
Family trapped as flames engulfed building
The fire broke out at around 1:30 am local time. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before flames and thick smoke rapidly engulfed the building. The family became trapped inside their room and called the motel's front desk for help. Motel employee April Graser said she immediately called emergency services after another guest alerted her to the blaze. She recalled hearing the family crying and pleading for help as the fire spread. The family was reportedly advised to turn on the bathroom water supply and shelter inside the bathroom to escape the smoke, but rescuers were unable to reach them.
Firefighters unable to reach victims
Wooster Township Fire Chief Dallas Terrell said firefighters arrived to find heavy flames shooting through the roof and made several rescue attempts, but the intensity of the fire prevented them from reaching the trapped occupants. The blaze escalated into a five-alarm fire, prompting a response from nearly 70 firefighters from around 15 fire departments. No other guests were killed or injured, although one firefighter sustained minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Family had moved to US for better opportunities
Originally from Nadiad in Gujarat's Kheda district, the family had moved to the United States around two years ago in search of better opportunities. Hiteshbhai worked at the motel, while Hinaben was employed at a neighboring property. Their daughter Ishani worked at a nearby McDonald's. Images from the scene showed extensive damage to the motel, located about 96 km south of Cleveland.
