EV Charging Mishap Sparks Massive Fire in Indore, Eight from One Family Lose Lives Overnight
EV Charging Mishap Sparks Massive Fire in Indore, Eight from One Family Lose Lives Overnight
Short circuit during the charging of an electric vehicle in Indore turned into a devastating fire that claimed the lives of eight members of a single family, leaving the city in shock and grief. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours between 3:30 am and 4:00 am at a two-storey house in Brijeshwari Annexe, where flames rapidly engulfed the entire building.
According to preliminary investigations, the fire is believed to have started due to overheating in the cable of an electric vehicle being charged on the ground floor of the residence, known as Arham Villa. A spark from the suspected short circuit quickly escalated into a massive blaze, spreading through the house within minutes.
The situation worsened when two LPG cylinders exploded amid the fire, intensifying the flames and creating panic in the surrounding area. Authorities later recovered several more cylinders from the premises, which, if ignited, could have led to an even greater catastrophe. Firefighters battled the blaze using over 1.7 lakh litres of water before finally bringing it under control, while nearby roads were sealed off to manage the emergency response.
The victims of this heartbreaking incident included businessman Manoj Pugliya (58) and his daughter-in-law Simran (30), along with Manoj’s brother-in-law Vijay Sethiya (65), Vijay’s wife Suman (60), their daughter Ruchika alias Tinu (35), and their grandchildren Rashi (10), Tanay (7) and Kartik alias Chhotu (16). The family members, originally from Bihar, were staying together at the time of the incident.
The tragedy struck just weeks after a family wedding held on January 23, turning recent celebrations into unimaginable loss. Several relatives had gathered at the house, which further increased the number of people present when the fire broke out.
#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | Fire broke out in a house in the Brijeshwari Annexe residential locality in Indore. Six people have lost their lives in the incident. Rescue operations are underway. pic.twitter.com/gWw4yQyM3g
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2026
In a courageous rescue effort, neighbours acted swiftly even before emergency teams arrived. Using ropes, a ladder, and basic tools, they managed to break through a balcony grill and rescue Sunita Pugliya along with her sons Saurabh, Somil and Harshit. Survivors later recounted how they woke up to thick smoke filling the house, with visibility reduced to almost zero. With the main door locked from inside, they managed to escape through the balcony and called for help.
Despite their efforts to go back and rescue others, the intensity of the fire and dense smoke made it impossible to re-enter the building. Firefighters and police teams had to break doors during the rescue operation, but by then, much of the house had been consumed by flames.
#WATCH | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | Commissioner of Police for Indore, Santosh Kumar Singh says, "…Three people were rescued and seven people have died…The fire has been completely brought under control…" https://t.co/QnUCBR0yJh pic.twitter.com/O3nInS7w6N
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2026
Senior officials, including government representatives and administrative authorities, rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported. Messages of condolence poured in, with leaders expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extending support to the affected family. Financial assistance for the victims’ families and the injured has also been announced.
Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident, particularly focusing on the safety aspects of electric vehicle charging systems.
