Kathua/Jammu, Dec 18: A tragic incident occurred in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of six individuals, including a former deputy superintendent of police and his three-year-old grandson, due to smoke inhalation from a house fire, officials reported.
Four others sustained injuries in the blaze and are currently receiving medical care at a hospital.
According to authorities, the fire was noticed by locals around 2:30 AM, prompting an immediate effort to rescue the occupants. Unfortunately, the house was filled with dense smoke, which caused the victims to suffocate while asleep.
The victims were taken to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Kathua, where six individuals, including two minors, were pronounced dead upon arrival, officials stated.
The deceased have been identified as 81-year-old former deputy SP Avtar Krishen Raina, his daughter Barkha Raina (25), grandson Takash (3), as well as 17-year-old Ganga Bhagat, 15-year-old Danish Bhagat, and 6-year-old Advik, according to police.
Those injured and receiving treatment include 61-year-old Swarna (Avtar Krishen Raina’s wife), Neetu Devi (40), Arun Kumar (15), and a 69-year-old woman.
Dr. Surinder Atri, the hospital’s principal, stated, “Ten individuals were brought to the hospital; six were declared dead, and four others are injured.” Initial investigations indicate that the victims died from smoke inhalation and suffocation, with no burn injuries reported.
“This is a heartbreaking incident. Our recently retired assistant matron lived in the rented premises. The fire occurred between 2 AM and 3 AM. She called us, and I promptly alerted the police and fire department,” the doctor noted.
Rocky Sharma, a nearby student, described how he noticed the fire while studying late at night and rushed to help. “The fire was concentrated in the drawing room, and the smoke that spread to other rooms led to the tragic losses,” he recounted.
The police have filed a case and are conducting an investigation into the incident.
