Investigation Points to Electric Vehicle as Cause, Prompting Urgent Safety Measures
In a devastating incident at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, seven family members, including three women, tragically lost their lives in a fire that engulfed a tailoring shop. Authorities suspect an electric vehicle may have sparked the blaze, prompting urgent safety measures and investigations.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, claimed the lives of Hamida Begum (50), her two sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. The victims, residing on the second floor of the building, succumbed to suffocation as the fire rapidly spread throughout the premises.
Initial reports suggest that the fire originated from an electric vehicle parked near the building, possibly while it was being charged. The blaze quickly engulfed the nearby cloth shop and subsequently spread to the entire building, where a total of 16 people were residing.
Emergency services, including police and fire brigade teams, responded swiftly to the scene, managing to rescue several individuals. However, despite their efforts, seven lives were tragically lost due to suffocation from the thick smoke.
Following the incident, authorities initiated an investigation, registering an accidental death case and seeking information from the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB). Additionally, a case was filed against the owner of the tailoring shop, Sheikh Aslam Sheikh Yunus, amid suspicions of improper electrical connections.
Amidst the tragedy, questions have arisen regarding the response time and equipment adequacy of the fire brigade. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar MP, Imtiaz Jaleel, highlighted concerns over alleged delays in the firefighting efforts and vowed to address any lapses in emergency response protocols.
As the community mourns the loss of seven precious lives, authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety regulations, particularly in commercial establishments, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
