Bhubaneswar apartment fire kills 3 family members, including child
Synopsis
A pre-dawn fire at Bhubaneswar's Basant Villa apartments killed an elderly couple and their 11-year-old granddaughter on 6 May, with investigators pointing to an electrical short circuit — and possibly an EV charging point — as the likely trigger. The tragedy has put a spotlight on fire safety and EV charging regulation in residential buildings across Odisha.
Key Takeaways
Three people killed — Biswanath Behera (62) , Sulabha Behera (60) , and their 11-year-old granddaughter — in a fire at Basant Villa apartments, Laxmisagar, Bhubaneswar on 6 May 2025 .
The blaze reportedly started between 4 and 4:30 am ; fire services were alerted at around 5 am .
Preliminary investigation points to an electrical short circuit at the panel near the staircase ; an EV charging point is also under scrutiny as a possible cause.
The couple had lived in the stilt-floor room for over ten years , working as security guard and caretaker of the complex.
The minor girl was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack , where she succumbed to burn injuries.
The fire caused extensive damage to the building's interior, ceiling, and lift area .
Three members of a family — an elderly couple and their 11-year-old granddaughter — died after a devastating fire broke out early on Wednesday, 6 May at Basant Villa apartments in Bhubaneswar's Laxmisagar area. The blaze, which reportedly started between 4 and 4:30 am IST, rapidly engulfed the stilt floor of the building, trapping the family in thick smoke before rescue personnel could reach them.
How the Fire Unfolded
According to Deputy Fire Officer Narayan Dash, fire services received an emergency call at around 5 am and immediately dispatched personnel with advanced equipment to the scene. Teams brought the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading further through the multi-storey complex.
Preliminary investigation suggests the fire originated from an electrical short circuit at the electric panel near the staircase on the stilt floor. "Some bicycles, parked near the panel caught fire due to sparks from the panel, resulting in thick smoke and blaze, which made evacuation challenging for the deceased family members residing in a room near the panel," Dash told news agency IANS.
Separately, sources indicated the fire may have originated from an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point in the same area. However, the exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed, and investigations are ongoing.
The Victims
The deceased elderly couple, Biswanath Behera (62) and Sulabha Behera (60), originally hailed from Gopinathpur village in Khordha district and had been residing in a room on the stilt floor of the apartment for more than ten years. Biswanath worked as a security guard for the complex, while Sulabha served as its caretaker. Their 11-year-old granddaughter had recently arrived to spend her summer vacation with them.
All three reportedly suffered severe burn injuries and suffocation due to the raging fire and heavy smoke. The elderly couple were rushed to Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. The minor girl was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Extent of Damage
The fire caused extensive structural damage within the building, affecting the interior ceiling and severely damaging the lift area. The proximity of the blaze to the staircase compounded evacuation difficulties for residents on upper floors, triggering widespread panic as smoke spread rapidly through the building.
What Happens Next
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the definitive cause of the fire, with the possible role of an EV charging point under scrutiny. The incident is likely to renew calls for stricter fire safety compliance and regulation of EV charging infrastructure in residential complexes across Odisha. Officials have not yet announced compensation for the bereaved family.
Point of View
Load assessments, and mandatory isolator switches remain patchwork at best. The fact that investigators cannot yet rule out an EV charging point as the trigger is itself telling. Odisha, like most Indian states, has no specific building code provision for EV charging safety in older residential complexes. Until that gap is closed, incidents like Basant Villa will keep recurring — and the most vulnerable, those living closest to electrical panels in stilt-floor rooms, will continue to pay the highest price.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Bhubaneswar apartment fire on 6 May 2025?
Preliminary investigation by fire officials suggests the fire originated from an electrical short circuit at the electric panel near the staircase on the stilt floor of Basant Villa apartments. Sources also indicated a possible link to an EV charging point nearby, though the exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed.
Who were the victims of the Basant Villa fire in Bhubaneswar?
The three victims were Biswanath Behera (62) and Sulabha Behera (60), an elderly couple from Gopinathpur village in Khordha district, and their 11-year-old granddaughter who was visiting for summer vacation. Biswanath worked as the building's security guard and Sulabha as its caretaker.
Where were the victims taken after the fire?
Biswanath and Sulabha Behera were rushed to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where they were declared dead. Their granddaughter was transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where she later succumbed to her burn injuries.
When did the Bhubaneswar apartment fire break out?
The fire broke out between 4 and 4:30 am on Wednesday, 6 May 2025, at Basant Villa apartments in the Laxmisagar area of Bhubaneswar. Fire services received the emergency call at around 5 am and quickly brought the blaze under control.
Why is the EV charging point angle significant in the Bhubaneswar fire?
Sources indicated the fire may have started at an EV charging point near the staircase, raising concerns about the safety of EV charging infrastructure in residential buildings. While this has not been officially confirmed, it has prompted scrutiny of fire safety regulations for EV charging in apartment complexes across Odisha.
