GUWAHATI: A devastating fire that broke out in Guwahati’s Jalukbari area in the early hours of Friday, June 5, claimed the lives of four members of a family, including a minor, causing grief and shock among local residents.
The deceased have been identified as Kuddus Ali (65), Kajoli Begum (40), Safiqul Ali (30), and Sahid Ali (12). The family hailed from the Krishnai area of Goalpara district and had been residing as tenants at a rented accommodation in Jaymati Nagar.
According to preliminary information, the blaze erupted between 2 AM and 3 AM at a residential compound located on Joymati Path. The fire spread rapidly through the premises, leaving little time for occupants to react.
While several other tenants managed to escape, the four victims were trapped inside their room and were unable to make it out. Residents reported hearing multiple LPG cylinder explosions during the incident, which intensified the flames and expedited the spread of the fire.
The inferno reportedly destroyed at least two houses within the compound, causing extensive damage to property. The residential premises, owned by Rehena Choudhary, consisted of around 11 rooms occupied by multiple tenant families. Sources said that eight families were staying on the property at the time of the incident.
Fire and Emergency Services personnel, assisted by teams from the police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushed to the spot and launched rescue and firefighting operations. However, the intensity of the blaze hampered efforts to save those trapped inside.
The tragic incident has left the neighbourhood in mourning, with residents describing scenes of panic as flames engulfed the buildings in the dead of night.
Further investigation is underway.