–Subhalaxmi Dash
New Delhi: In the past seven days, various parts of the country have witnessed devastating fire incidents, leading to numerous fatalities. Many families have been utterly destroyed, while some survivors are left to endure lifelong trauma. In addition to the tragic loss of lives, substantial property damage has occurred, leaving the victims to rebuild their lives from scratch, a process that might take many years. Notable incidents have been reported from Rajkot in Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. These occurrences have been linked to the ongoing heatwave in northern and western India, which is believed to be exacerbating the frequency and severity of fire incidents.
Rajkot, Gujarat: Last Saturday evening, a horrific fire broke out at the TRP Gaming Zone in Rajkot. People had gathered there for a joyful evening, never imagining the catastrophe that awaited them. The fire claimed the lives of 28 individuals, including children and women. Among the victims was a young man of Indian origin from Canada, who had come to India with dreams of a traditional wedding following a court marriage. The fire erupted in the afternoon, and despite the swift response from the police and fire brigade, it took a long time to bring the blaze under control. By then, everything was already lost.
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh: A massive explosion occurred at a factory in the Talangana area of Aligarh, resulting in the death of three individuals and injuries to several others. The explosion took place at the Balakameshwar Iron Melting Factory, causing significant damage. Similarly, a major explosion happened on Saturday morning at the largest gunpowder factory in Chhattisgarh, located in Bemetara, injuring six people. The intensity of the explosion was so severe that it caused a fire in the factory within a short period, with the blast being heard from a considerable distance.
Delhi: A fire incident in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar on Saturday night resulted in the death of 10 people and injuries to 22 others. Among the deceased were seven newborns. Twelve more infants were rescued late at night. The fire broke out at a baby care center in Block-1, near the ITI area. Nine fire trucks were deployed to control the blaze. According to an official, the fire brigade rescued 12 children from the center. Another fire incident was reported in Krishnanagar, Delhi, where three people lost their lives. Ten injured individuals were rescued and admitted to the hospital. The fire originated in the parking area of a four-story building, affecting 11 motorcycles and spreading to the first floor, before being brought under control.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for better safety measures and awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future. The increasing heatwave conditions also call for immediate action to mitigate their impact on public safety.
Subhalaxmi Dash,
MA English with Communication Studies, Christ University, Bengaluru Yeshwanthpur Campus.