In a fire tragedy, four family members of Pal Heights hotel owner Satpal Singh and a domestic help died in his house at Buddheswari Colony under the laxmisagar police station here in the wee hours of Thursday.
The deceased were identified as Satpal’s younger son Gagan Pal Singh (40), daughter-in-law Bhavna (38), granddaughter Sohabi (15) and grandson Rubir (8) and maid Khusi Das (15).
Satpal Singh’s five family members and the domestic help had been rescued in critical condition by fire staff from the house. While four of the family and the maid died on their way to hospital, Satpal’s younger brother was admitted in the Capital Hospital with injuries. His condition was stated to be stable.
Neighbours had spotted the fire early in the morning and called up police and fire brigade. Deputy Fire Officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi said initially the neighbours spotted smoke billowing out of the first floor of Satpal’s house and called up the police control room who in turn informed the fire personnel about the incident at around 5.18 am. Immediately a team of fire personnel reached the spot and started the rescue operation, he informed.A short circuit in the air-conditioner was suspected to be the reason behind the mishap. “However, a thorough probe will only find out the exact cause,” he added.
A police team and a forensic team also rushed to the spot to investigate.Commissioner of Police YB Khurania , who was at the spot, said the police were investigating into the incident. After investigations, everything would be clear.After the incident, a pall of gloom descended on the neighbours, employees and the business community as Gagan Pal Singh was very popular and down to earth.
This was the third major fire mishap due to short-circuit in the city. Earlier, a biscuit factory at Patia and a sports goods showroom had been virtually reduced to ashes and properties worth crores of rupees were gutted, but thankfully there were no loss of lives.