Kathua/Jammu: A former deputy superintendent of police and his three-year-old grandson were among six people who suffocated to death when their rented accommodation caught fire in Kathua district early on Wednesday, an official said.
Four other people injured in the incident were undergoing treatment in a hospital.
According to police, locals noticed the house on fire around 2:30 am and rushed to rescue its occupants. The house was filled with thick smoke, suffocating its occupants in their sleep, they said.
The victims were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Kathua where six of them, including two minors, were declared ‘brought dead’, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as 81-year-old former deputy SP Avtar Krishen Raina, his daughter Barkha Raina (25), son Takash (3), 17-year-old Ganga Bhagat, 15-year-old Danish Bhagat and 6-year-old Advik, a police officer said.
Those injured and undergoing treatment are 61-year-old Swarna (the wife of Avtar Krishen Raina), Neetu Devi (40), Arun Kumar (15), and a 69-year-old woman, he said.
Dr Surinder Atri, the principal of the hospital, said, “Ten people were brought to the hospital. Six were brought dead, and four others were injured.”
Preliminary investigations suggest the victims died of smoke inhalation and suffocation, he said, adding that no burn injuries were reported.
“It is an unfortunate incident. Our assistant matron, who had recently retired, was living in the rented house. The incident happened between 2 am and 3 am. She called over the phone and I immediately informed the police and fire brigade,” the doctor added.
Rocky Sharma, a student, said he was studying late at night when he noticed the fire and rushed to the house along with others. “The fire had engulfed the drawing room, and the smoke that seeped into other rooms resulted in the deaths,” he added.
The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter.
LG Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah expresses grief over Kathua fire tragedy
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of six lives in a devastating fire incident in Kathua district.
Taking to micro-blogging site X, the Office of LG J&K said: “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Kathua. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery”.
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the incident as deeply painful, particularly as it claimed the lives of six people and injured another four.
“It is heartbreaking to learn about this tragedy where six precious lives were lost. I pray for eternal peace to the departed souls and for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident,” he said.
The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for strength and forbearance to help them endure this difficult time.
The Chief Minister assured that the best possible medical care is being provided to the injured.
“I have directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible treatment for a smooth recovery,” he said.
