In a heart-wrenching incident in Tukula village, under Khariar police station in Nuapada district, Odisha, a couple lost their lives due to a fire caused by an electrical short circuit.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday night, August 23, 2025, around 8 PM, when Rajesh Patel, 28, and his wife, Rima Patel, 24, were at home with three other family members. The family was engaged in conversation when a sudden short circuit ignited a fire that rapidly engulfed their home.
Despite efforts to escape, Rajesh and Rima succumbed to severe burn injuries. Rajesh’s father, Makaru Patel, narrowly escaped with their 9-month-old son, saving the infant from the blaze. The Khariar fire department responded promptly, rushing the victims to the Khariar sub-divisional hospital. However, the doctor declared the couple dead upon arrival. The delayed arrival of an ambulance sparked tension at the hospital, with locals expressing frustration over the slow response.
Khariar SDPO Upendra Pradhan and police station officer Dilip Sahu arrived at the scene and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess any lapses in the response. The incident has left the close-knit Tukula community in shock, raising concerns about electrical safety in rural households.
Authorities are urging residents to ensure proper electrical maintenance to prevent such tragedies. The investigation is ongoing, with officials promising to address any systemic issues that may have contributed to the delayed emergency response.
