Indore: Eight people died after an explosion and subsequent fire broke out while charging an EV car outside a house in Brajeshwari Annex Colony here this morning.
The incident took place between 3.30 am and 4 am. Due to the intensity of the fire, some cooking gas cylinders inside the house also exploded, said Assistant Commissioner of Police Kundan Mandloi.
The deceased have been identified as Tanay (6), Rashi Sethia (12), Simran (30), Tinu (35), Suman Sethia (60), Vijay Sethia (65), Chhotu Sethia (22) and Manoj (65).
A child is missing after the incident and a search is underway, the ACP said, adding that a thorough investigation has been ordered into the incident. The explosion occurred outside the three-storey house where a car was being charged for the prayer, and the subsequent fire engulfed the house, they said.
The doors of the house were fitted with electronic locks, making it difficult for the police to enter. The police commissioner said that gas leakage from cooking cylinders inside the house and explosion further intensified the fire.
Around 10 people were reportedly inside the house at the time of the fire, of which three were rescued, said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Amarendra Singh.
The bodies of the seven people who died in the fire have been brought to a government hospital, said Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria, Dean of the Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College.
After first aid, the two injured expressed their desire to seek treatment at another hospital and were discharged, he said.