A celebration of a momentous occasion turned into a tragedy in Karnataka’s Belagavi city after a massive fire erupted in a house on the night of Ganesh Chaturthi, killing four members of the same family and injuring two others. It happened in Chavhan Galli, and it’s a tragedy that has rocked the city and sent a jolt through the Market Police Station in Chavhan Galli, which has hit the city hard.
The fire is believed to have originated from a short circuit in the kitchen area of the house, say police and preliminary reports. The flames quickly spread through the house’s interior, gutting the whole structure, with little time for the occupants to escape. They were asleep, they said.
Gajanan Rajaram Damone (65), Roshan Gajanan Damone (21), Sharada Damone (45), and Bharati Rajaram Damone (50) have been identified as the deceased. Priya Gajanan Damone (28) and Ganga Gajanan Damone (25) sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to the local hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
The family, earning its livelihood from daily wage work, had celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi earlier in the day. Like many homes in Karnataka, they had installed a Ganesh idol and a small festive mandap inside their home to celebrate the occasion. But not long after that, the same celebration was eclipsed by one of the deadliest residential fire incidents in the area in a few years.
Suspected Refrigerator Explosion Intensified Fire
The initial investigation suggests that the fire started due to an electrical short circuit in the kitchen. Investigators also believe that a refrigerator may have exploded after it caught fire, causing the flames to spread rapidly through the house.
Residents said the fire erupted in a matter of seconds, consuming the shed-style building and trapping family members inside. The house was built with metal sheets and lightweight materials, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The victims were sleeping close to the area where the refrigerator was located, investigators say. Because of the flames and heavy smoke, they were unable to escape. By the time neighbours saw the fire and contacted emergency services, most of the house had already burned down.
Firefighters Launch Rescue Operation
Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed in and worked to control the fire. Firefighters worked hard to keep the flames from spreading to adjacent houses and to extinguish the fire.
During the operation, officials safely removed LPG cylinders from the burning building to prevent a greater explosion. But the house suffered extensive damage. Household items such as furniture, valuables, a locker, electrical appliances, and the refrigerator were all destroyed in the fire.
The Ganesh mandap installed near the house also suffered minor damage due to the flames. Neighbors reportedly immersed the Ganesh idol after the tragedy, thus ending what was going to be a joyous festival celebration.
Investigation Underway
Police are investigating, and a case has been registered. Forensic experts and electrical inspectors will examine the site to determine the cause of the fire and whether a fault or appliance malfunction is responsible for the disaster.
The tragic loss of four lives has left the local community in mourning. Residents, public officials, and social organisations have since expressed their condolences to the bereaved family and appealed to authorities to increase awareness about electrical safety, especially at festivals when homes often use additional lighting and electrical decorations.
It’s a tragedy that Belagavi has to grapple with, and it’s a stark reminder of the need for fire safety measures in residential areas. What was a day of celebration and dedication turned into an unimaginable tragedy for an entire family.
