Five people, including two children, died after a fire broke out at an illegal plastic floor mat godown in central Bengaluru on Saturday.
The incident took place in a four-storied building located at Nagarathpet close to KR Market. The deceased have been identified as Madan Kumar, 38, his wife Sangeetha, 33, their two children Nitish, 7, and Vihan, 5, and neighbour Suresh Kumar, 26.
According to the fire department, the control room received the call around 3.15 am. All victims are suspected to be natives of Rajasthan.
“Six water bowsers and more than 50 fire department personnel were sent to the spot to douse the fire,” a source said.
The deceased have been identified as Madan Kumar, 38, his wife Sangeetha, 33, their two children Nitish, 7, and Vihan, 5, and neighbour Suresh Kumar, 26. (Express Photo)
According to a police officer, the plastic mats were stored on the ground and first floor of the building. On the third floor, Madan Kumar, his wife, and children were living. “But three workers who were sleeping on the first floor managed to escape,” added the police officer.
One charred body was discovered on the ground floor, and it looked like they had tried to escape from the building but were burned alive.
According to the fire department, the control room received the call around 3.15 am. All victims are suspected to be natives of Rajasthan. (Express Photo)
“We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the fire, but we suspect a short circuit might have led to the fire,” the police officer further said.
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Many residential properties have blatantly violated norms and turned buildings into godowns and manufacturing units. A lot of flammable items have been stored here. But the civic agency has not bothered to take any action, said the police officer.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, Bengaluru city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, and several other officials visited the spot on Saturday.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, Bengaluru city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, and several other officials visited the spot on Saturday. (Express Photo)
Parameshwara said, “A lot of plastic and rubber items have been stored in these houses. It is a congested place with only 10-15 foot lanes, and it is hard for the rescue operations as well… Many have turned these houses into godowns and are also living here. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike must look into it.”