A massive fire broke out late on Friday night in Ruprani’s Ka Bada in Miloniganj area, reducing six two-wheelers, a house to ashes and sending shockwaves through the densely populated locality. Most of the residents were asleep around 2 am when the blaze started. Locals said the fire is believed to have started due to a short circuit in electrical wiring. It spread rapidly and engulfed vehicles parked nearby. The tyres and other parts of the vehicles caught fire, triggering explosion like sounds that woke up residents and sent them rushing out of their homes.

 

A family trapped inside one house broke through the roof to escape. During the incident, fire and smoke had spread to all sides of the building, trapping family members inside. Seeing no other way out, they broke open the roof and escaped to safety. Locals said a bigger tragedy was narrowly avoided. As many as six fire tenders reached the spot soon after getting the information. Fire fighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. Narrow lanes and the dense population made rescue and relief operations difficult.

 

Along with the vehicles, household goods, furniture and other belongings kept outside the house were also destroyed. Affected families said years of hard earned savings were reduced to ash within minutes. The fire caused property damage estimated at over Rs 10 lakh. No casualties were reported. Police and the electricity department’s team are investigating the matter. A short circuit is being considered the primary cause, though the exact reason will be confirmed after the inquiry is complete. Locals have demanded an inspection of the area’s old and damaged electric wiring and better safety arrangements.