Tragic Fire in J&K’s Kathua Claims 6 Lives as 4 Others Fall Ill from Suffocation
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Jammu, Dec 18 (NationPress) Six individuals lost their lives while sleeping and four others experienced minor suffocation after a fire erupted in a residence located in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Kathua district, officials disclosed on Wednesday.
Officials indicated that the tragic incident claimed the lives of six individuals, including two children, and four others suffered from suffocation after the fire ignited in their home in the Shiva Nagar area of Kathua during the night.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the fire initiated from a room due to a lamp and swiftly spread to adjacent rooms.
“Six individuals were transported to the hospital; however, medical personnel confirmed they were dead upon arrival. The deceased have been identified as 81-year-old Avtar Krishan, 17-year-old Ganga Bhagat, 15-year-old Danish Bhagat, 25-year-old Barkha Raina, 3-year-old Takash Raina, and 4-year-old Advik Raina.
“Those injured include 61-year-old Swarna, 40-year-old Neetu Devi, 69-year-old Kewal Krishan, and 45-year-old Arun Kumar. They are currently receiving treatment at the government medical college hospital in Kathua town,” officials stated.
Surinder Atri, principal of Kathua Medical College, mentioned that the victims were part of the family of a hospital assistant matron who had recently retired.
“She was residing in a rented property. The incident transpired around 2 A.M., with initial evidence suggesting it was caused by a fire linked to a Pooja lamp. There are no burns on the deceased, indicating they likely succumbed to suffocation. The four injured individuals are currently stable,” the principal reported.
Fatalities due to suffocation have been increasingly noted during the winter months, primarily due to the utilization of LPG heaters and other heating devices that diminish oxygen levels in enclosed spaces.
The fatalities resulting from the fire, ignited by a lamp that rapidly escalated, left the victims with little opportunity to escape, marking it as an unusual occurrence.
Residents are continually warned against using LPG heaters and other devices that produce carbon monoxide by reducing oxygen levels in confined areas.
