Damoh (Madhya Pradesh) [India]: A tragic fire claimed the lives of two children and left a third critically injured in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district on Wednesday, according to officials.
Damoh District Magistrate Sudhir Kochar explained that the fire broke out while the family was boiling potatoes inside their hut, which was made of straw and grass. The three young girls—Jhanvi (3), Kirti (2), and Malti (6 months)—were playing nearby when the flames engulfed the structure.
“Govind Adivasi and his family, who worked as laborers protecting crops, lived in the hut. When the fire started, the eldest daughter got burned, and the other two daughters ran to save her, only to suffer severe burns themselves,” DM Kochar told the media.
Casualties and Medical Status
Two of the girls, Jhanvi and Kirti, succumbed to nearly 100% burn injuries. Malti, the youngest, sustained critical injuries and is currently on oxygen support.
Dr. Chakresh Kumar, RMO at the District Hospital, Damoh, confirmed the severity of the injuries. “Two children were brought dead, and one is in a critical state. We will provide primary treatment and refer her to a higher medical facility. All three children had suffered 100% burns,” he said.
Government Response
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced financial aid for the victims’ family. “An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased girls, and Rs 1 lakh will be given for the injured child,” DM Kochar added.
Local authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire, which remains unclear at this time.