Synopsis
A tragic incident occurred in Jharkhand's Garhwa district where a fire at a firecracker shop led to the deaths of five individuals, including two children. The fire broke out suddenly, trapping victims inside and prompting desperate rescue efforts.Key Takeaways
- Five people died in a fire at a firecracker shop.
- The incident occurred in Garhwa district, Jharkhand.
- Victims included two brothers and shop workers.
- Local efforts to rescue were hampered by the fire.
- Government officials expressed condolences and initiated an investigation.
Ranchi, March 10 (NationPress) A devastating fire erupted at a firecracker shop located in the Godarmana market of Garhwa district, Jharkhand, on Monday around 11:30 a.m., resulting in the tragic loss of at least five individuals, including two children, as per officials.
The victims have been named as Kush Kumar Gupta, Ajit Kumar Kesari, Sushila Kerketta, Ayush Kumar Kesari, and Piyush Kumar Kesari.
Reports indicate that Kush Kumar Gupta operated a grocery and firecracker establishment in the market, which had two storage facilities located behind it. The fire ignited suddenly, leading to an explosion that caused the shop’s shutter to slam shut, trapping those inside and impeding their escape.
Upon hearing the explosion, locals hurried to the scene. Despite attempts to extinguish the flames using buckets and water tankers, the fire had already overtaken the shop.
In a frantic rescue effort, bystanders broke through a wall to save those trapped within. Unfortunately, all five individuals had already succumbed to suffocation. They were transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Among the deceased, Ayush and Piyush, who were brothers, had visited the shop to purchase firecrackers. Ajit Kumar Kesari, from Nauka village in the Bhandaria block, was also present to buy goods. Sushila Kerketta, a worker at the shop, hailed from Barwahi village in the Ranka block.
By the time the fire brigade arrived from the district headquarters, the shop had been reduced to rubble. A motorcycle parked outside was also completely incinerated.
Senior district officials and personnel from the Ranka police station arrived to evaluate the circumstances.
The Governor of Jharkhand, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed their profound sorrow over the incident.
The Governor referred to the occurrence as “heart-wrenching” and conveyed his sympathies to the affected families. He stated, “The event in a firecracker shop in Godarmana of Ranka police station area of Garhwa district is heartbreaking. The reports of multiple fatalities are extremely upsetting. I extend my deepest condolences to the mourning families and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Chief Minister Hemant Soren remarked, “It is tragic news regarding the loss of five lives due to the fire in a firecracker shop located in the Ranka block of Garhwa district. May Marang Buru provide peace to the departed souls and grant the grieving families the strength to endure this difficult time. The district administration is currently investigating the matter.”
