Bhubaneswar: At least four members of a family, including two children, were charred to death after a devastating fire broke out at a house in Nalipur village under Balichandrapur police limits in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Saturday night.
The tragic incident occurred around 8 pm at the asbestos-roofed house of Sheikh Nizamuddin in Nalipur village under Badachana block. The fire reportedly broke out suddenly due to an unknown reason and quickly engulfed the entire house, leaving the occupants trapped inside.
According to preliminary information, the deceased include Nizamuddin’s daughter-in-law, his daughter who had come to visit her parental home, and his two grandchildren — a 10-year-old granddaughter and an eight-month-old grandson. All four reportedly died on the spot after being trapped in the blaze.
Another child sustained critical burn injuries and was immediately shifted to the Badachana Medical Centre for treatment.
On being informed, a fire brigade team from Chandikhol and personnel from Balichandrapur police station rushed to the spot and initiated rescue and firefighting operations.
The incident triggered widespread shock and grief in the locality, with thousands of people reportedly gathering at the site after news of the tragedy spread. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.