Dhanbad: Two people were killed and six others injured, including two critically, after a devastating fire broke out in a three-storey residential building in Vikas Nagar under the Saraidhela police station limits of Dhanbad district late Monday night, officials said.
The deceased were identified as 22-year-old Prashant Kumar, also known as Golu, and his grandmother, 70-year-old Chintamani Devi. Prashant had arrived from Patna about two weeks ago and was staying at his grandmother’s house.
At the time of the incident, 15 people were inside the building—eight on the ground floor, three on the first floor, and four on the second floor. The fire reportedly started on the ground floor, quickly filling the entire building with thick smoke while most occupants were asleep, triggering panic.
Residents on the upper floors managed to escape, but those on the ground floor struggled due to heavy smoke. Local people attempted rescue operations, but their efforts were hampered, following which the fire brigade was informed.
Three fire tenders reached the spot and brought the fire under control after nearly one-and-a-half hours. Dhanbad Fire Department in-charge Deepak Oraon said access to the building was difficult due to narrow lanes, and the situation worsened as the main gate was locked.
Preliminary findings indicate a short circuit as the cause of the fire. Officials said Chintamani Devi had switched on a room heater before going to sleep. The fire was noticed around 1 a.m.
Six injured persons are being treated at a private hospital. Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway.