Diwali Fires Claim 12 Lives in Separate Madhya Pradesh Incidents

What Happened

Twelve people died across two separate midnight fire accidents in the Katni and Seoni districts of Madhya Pradesh during Diwali celebrations on Monday. In Katni, an earthen lamp sparked a major blaze in a three-storey building above a crockery shop, killing six family members from three generations. The victims included 77-year-old Puran Agrawal, his wife Chandrakala, daughter-in-law Poonam, granddaughters Arya and Anvi, and a two-month-old baby found in his mother's lap, while two residents managed to escape.

Second Incident

Another fire broke out at 4.30 am in a three-storey home owned by gold trader Kundan Lal Soni in Chhapara town of Seoni district. Six people died in this blaze, including Soni, his wife Rajkumari Soni, daughters-in-law Ritu Soni and Smriti Soni, relative Surya Soni, and grandson Aditya Soni. Neighbours tried to put out the flames with water buckets before firefighters arrived and took several hours to control the fire.

Reactions

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences on X and announced financial help of ₹4 lakh each for the families of the victims. Police stated that an earthen lamp near a coffee machine likely caused the Katni fire, while the exact cause of the Seoni blaze remains under investigation.

Context

Accidental residential fires often rise during festival periods due to the use of open flames like earthen lamps and candles near flammable materials. Safety officials generally advise keeping oil lamps away from curtains, furniture, and electrical appliances to prevent such tragedies.