What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Jammu: A devastating fire engulfed a rented house in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district early Wednesday, claiming six lives, including an 81-year-old former deputy superintendent of police and his three-year-old grandson.
The incident occurred around 2:30 am when locals noticed the blaze and attempted to rescue the occupants. The house was filled with dense smoke, which suffocated the residents in their sleep.
Four others sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Kathua. The deceased has been identified as retired deputy SP Avtar Krishen Raina (81), his daughter Barkha Raina (25), grandson Takash (3), Ganga Bhagat (17), Danish Bhagat (15), and Advik (6).
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The injured include Raina’s wife Swarna (61), Neetu Devi (40), Arun Kumar (15), and a 69-year-old woman. Preliminary investigations indicate smoke inhalation as the cause of death, with no burn injuries reported.
“It’s a tragic incident. The fire broke out between 2 am and 3 am. The victims died due to suffocation,” a senior official confirmed.
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Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Kathua. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) December 18, 2024
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his grief on X, stating, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a tragic fire in Kathua. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh also shared his condolences, adding that he was in constant touch with the district administration and BJP workers assisting on-site.
