Karnataka: Four of a family among five killed in Nagartapete fire
A massive fire in a four-storey commercial building in Nagartapete, Bengaluru, killed five people, including four family members. Suspected to be caused by a short circuit, the blaze spread rapidly, prompting emergency operations and government compensation for the victims’ families
Bengaluru: Five people, including four members of a family, were killed in a massive fire that broke out in a four-storey commercial building at Nagartapete under Halasuru Gate police limits in the early hours of Saturday.
The victims were identified as Madan Kumar (36), his wife Sangeeta (33), their sons Mitesh (8) and Vihan (5), and Suresh (30), a worker on the second floor. All were burnt alive as the blaze rapidly engulfed the building.
The fire is suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit around 3.30 am. It spread quickly from a plastic mat shop on the ground floor to the upper levels. After a three-hour-long operation, fire brigade personnel recovered all five bodies, which were later shifted to a hospital.
State Fire and Emergency Services Director Shivshankar said, “As soon as we received information around 3 am, six fire engines, over 50 personnel, and 20 SDRF members rushed to the spot. Despite thick smoke, our teams managed to recover all the victims. The exact cause is being investigated, and necessary safety checks will be enforced.”
Central Division DCP Akshay Kumar added, “Initially, two bodies were found, followed by three more. Heavy smoke hampered operations, but our teams worked tirelessly to bring out all the victims.”
Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan announced Rs 5 lakh compensation from his pocket for the victims and assured that the government would provide suitable compensation to the families.
