Victims have been identified as Ruchi, Diya, Inderpal, Yashpal Ghai, and Mansha

JALANDHAR: A devastating fire broke out in a residence on street number 12 of Avtar Nagar in the late hours, claiming the lives of five individuals, including three children, due to severe burns. The administration has yet to officially confirm the casualties. The house owner was among the deceased, while his elderly wife, who was outside the house at the time, survived unharmed. The victims have been identified as Ruchi, Diya, Inderpal, Yashpal Ghai, and Mansha. The tragedy unfolded while the entire family was engrossed in watching a cricket match.

Raj Ghai, the brother of the deceased Yashpal Ghai, revealed that his brother had purchased a new double-door refrigerator just seven months ago. A massive explosion in the refrigerator's compressor triggered the house fire. Tragically, Yashpal Ghai, his son, daughter-in-law, and two daughters who were inside the house were unable to escape the inferno. However, his elderly sister-in-law, who was outside at the time, survived the ordeal unscathed.

Following the explosion in the refrigerator's compressor, gas permeated the house and the surrounding street. The ensuing fire was so intense that the firefighting team battled to bring it under control into the late hours. Despite the swift arrival of two firefighting vehicles at the scene, additional fire brigade units had to be summoned to effectively combat the blaze.

The severely burned victims were rescued from their homes and promptly rushed to the Civil Hospital. Tragically, doctors at the Civil Hospital confirmed the demise of three family members due to the extent of their injuries. Additionally, two critically injured members were urgently referred to a private hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Upon learning of the tragic incident in Avtar Nagar, leaders from Congress, BJP, and Aam Aadmi Party promptly visited the scene to express their condolences and solidarity with the grieving family.