Bhubaneswar, May 6: The death toll in the devastating fire at Basant Villa Apartment in Laxmisagar area of Bhubaneswar rose to three after a minor girl succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Her family members confirmed her demise.

Earlier in the day, a major fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday at the apartment complex, claiming the lives of two staff members. The deceased were identified as Biswajit Behera, a security guard, and Sulabha Behera, a caretaker. Both reportedly died due to suffocation and severe burn injuries.

The minor girl had sustained critical injuries in the blaze and was initially rushed to a local hospital before being shifted to Cuttack for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, she could not survive, taking the toll to three.

According to preliminary reports, the fire is suspected to have originated from a short circuit in the electrical panel board located in the guard room. The incident occurred around 4 am when most residents were asleep, leading to panic in the apartment complex.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire and reviewing safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Powered by Froala Editor