House fire turns death trap for three in Akola

Villagers allege carelessly stored diesel stock likely fuelled blazeAkola: Three people, including six-year-old Swara Prabhudas Solanke, died in a house fire that broke out around 7pm Thursday near the weekly market at Adgaon Budruk village in Akot tehsil of Akola district. The victims were tenants in a house owned by Sheikh Ibrahim.
Swara and Anil Ukarda Chavan (27) were trapped inside and died on the spot due to severe burns. Ratna Ukarda Chavan (55), who suffered critical burns, was taken to Akot Rural Hospital. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Akola, where she later succumbed to her injuries during treatment.Sources alleged that a large, improperly stored diesel stock inside the house, caused the fire to intensify rapidly, leaving occupants no chance to escape.Residents and the gram panchayat arranged water as fire tenders from Telhara and Akot brought the blaze under control after a prolonged operation. A forensic laboratory van was also deployed and panchnama proceedings continued late into the night.When contacted, Akot ACP Nikhil Patil and Shivarkhed police station inspector Gajanan Rathod told TOI that a short circuit is being considered as the preliminary cause of the fire. But villagers disputed the preliminary assessment and alleged that the diesel stock stored inside the house in an unsafe and unauthorised manner played a major role in the massive fire. Police said the exact cause will be confirmed after forensic examination and fire dept reports.The incident also exposed a healthcare lapse: victims were first taken to a nearby primary health centre where no doctor or staff was available, forcing villagers to shift them to Akot Rural Hospital.