Three children die in Bengal's Uluberia house fire, Investigation underway

A house fire in Uluberia, Howrah, resulted in the tragic deaths of three children shortly after the Kali Puja celebrations. The victims have been identified as Tanya Mistry (11), Ishan Dhara (3), and Momtaz Khatun (5). Another individual, 19-year-old Monisha Khatun, suffered serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. The fire broke out on Friday evening, generating an emergency response from local authorities and raising serious safety concerns among residents.

According to preliminary reports, the fire is believed to have originated from a firecracker, which led to a rapid escalation of flames that engulfed the house. Neighbors reported hearing loud noises and seeing smoke billowing from the residence, prompting them to call for help. Eyewitnesses indicated that despite realizing the fire had started, the occupants were unable to escape due to the swift spread of flames and the dense smoke that filled the interior of the home. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes but faced challenges in extinguishing the fire due to its intensity.

Upon investigation, authorities discovered a bottle containing "katha tel," or petrol, near the site of the fire. Allegations have emerged that the grocery store adjacent to the home was selling petrol in bottles, raising concerns about the presence of highly flammable materials in the vicinity. Investigators are scrutinizing whether the petrol contributed to the fire's rapid escalation and whether proper safety protocols were being followed in the area.

Local police have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, with a forensic team assigned to gather evidence. The police superintendent confirmed that investigators would examine the fire's origin, the state of the property, and any potential violations of safety regulations. The community is calling for accountability, emphasizing the need for improved fire safety measures and stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent similar incidents in the future. Residents have expressed their fears regarding the proximity of homes and the lack of adequate emergency exits, urging local authorities to take action to enhance safety in their neighborhood.