Minor girl killed, three others of family injured in fire mishap

Kandhamal: A minor girl was killed and three others of a family sustained injuries after fire broke out in their house at Gerupada village under Phiringia police limits in Kandhamal district today.

As per reports, the fire broke out at around 3:15 am when the family of Arun Behera was fast asleep. Woken up by a spark from one of the electricity switch boards in the house, Behera suddenly saw fire spreading all over the house. He immediately pushed his 6-year-old son out of the window and pulled his two daughters and wife out of the house. Though Arun, his wife and two children sustained injuries, the other daughter succumbed after being rushed to the hospital.

According to reports, Arun rushed all his family members to the Phulbani hospital with the help of the locals. However, one of his daughters, aged 13, died sometime later during treatment. His wife and son are undergoing treatment at the hospital while the second daughter (15) who has sustained 70 percent injuries, is stated to be critical. She has been referred to MKCG hospital in Berhampur.

Reportedly, fire personnel reached the house and brought the blaze under control. Though the reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, short circuit could have triggered it, said fire personnel.

“I spotted sparks in the electricity switch board in my house at around 3.15 am. Soon fire caught clothes and within few moments it engulfed the complete house. I managed to rescue my son, but my wife and daughters sustained injuries. Unfortunately one of my daughters couldn’t survive,” said Arun.