4 factors behind death of 8 people:Short circuit during E-car charging, digital lock; chemicals at home and 15 commercial cylinders

Eight people died in a horrific accident in Indore’s Greater Brajeshwari NX area. The deceased include rubber businessman Manoj Sethia, his daughter-in-law Simran, relative Vijay, his wife Suman, and other family members Rashi, Chhotu, Tanay and Tinu. After the incident in the Tilak Nagar police station area, when the SDERF and fire brigade entered the house, the scene inside was extremely disturbing. During the investigation, around 15 commercial gas cylinders were found in different rooms of the house, out of which three had exploded. The police are now investigating how so many commercial cylinders were stored in the house at a time when their sale has been restricted by the government. Reason 1: A short circuit during charging triggered the disaster An electric car left on charge overnight became the first link in the accident. According to the initial police investigation, a short circuit occurred at the charging point late at night, damaging the car’s electrical system. Once an EV battery catches fire, it becomes very difficult to control, as a continuous reaction takes place inside the battery cells. During this, the battery exploded and the fire quickly turned intense. The car was parked very close to the house, allowing flames to reach the walls and upper floors directly. Within minutes, the initial spark spread through the entire building. Reason 2: Cylinder blasts and explosions caused panic The intensity of the fire increased several times when the gas cylinders inside the house caught fire. As the flames reached the cylinders, the gas inside began to expand rapidly, and rising pressure led to a series of explosions. The blasts were so powerful that panic spread in the surrounding area, and even a part of a neighbouring house was damaged. Along with the cylinder blasts, the compressors of the air conditioner and refrigerator also exploded, further fuelling the fire. These repeated explosions not only made rescue operations difficult but also left those trapped inside with no chance to escape. Reason 3: Chemicals and gas-fuelled flames, the incident turned into a firestorm Gas leaking from the cylinders and other flammable materials inside the house turned the fire into a firestorm. According to information, some chemicals or combustible elements were also present in the house, which helped the fire spread rapidly. When gas mixes with air and comes into contact with fire, it creates an explosive situation. This is why the fire spread across all three floors within minutes. The temperature rose so high that everything inside started burning instantly, and thick smoke filled the house, leading to suffocation. Reason 4 Locks failed, family trapped, no way to escape The most tragic part of the incident was that the family could not escape despite having a chance. The electronic locks installed in the house stopped working once the power supply was cut. Normally, such locks should have a backup system, but here it either failed or was not present. Additionally, iron grills installed in the house became a major obstacle in escaping. Amid the fire, smoke and continuous explosions, the family remained trapped inside. Rescue teams had to cut open doors and grills to enter, but by then it was too late. This is what made the incident even more horrifying.
Ran towards the roof, but found the way blocked At the time of the accident, the entire family was asleep. After the fire broke out, everyone ran towards the roof to save their lives, but the door was locked from the inside, so it could not be opened. Due to the grills outside and strong glass, the rescue team also could not reach inside on time. Attempt to exit through the neighbours’ house During the accident, Manoj Pugalia tried to get some family members out through the neighbours’ house. After that, he went back inside the house, but could not stay for long due to the smoke. The roof door was locked from the inside and could not be opened. If this door had opened, it is possible that many lives could have been saved. 2 bodies found in the room near the kitchen on the lowest floor 15 Commercial cylinders were kept for gas geysers It is being reported that there were 15 gas cylinders kept in the house. All of these are commercial cylinders. An employee working in the house stated that everyone’s rooms in the house are separate. All bathrooms are also separate. And the geysers installed in them run on gas. Besides this, many household chores were done with these cylinders. Two of these cylinders had blasted. Its sound was heard throughout the colony. After the blast, the cylinders hit the roof and walls of the house and remained there. Due to this, gas spread in the house and the fire took a fierce form. Another employee stated that there was also an Avantika Gas connection in the house, which provided direct supply to the cylinders. A bike worth 17 lakh was also burnt to ashes in the accident In the accident, a Hayabusa bike worth 17 lakh rupees, parked outside the house, was also burnt to ashes. This bike was purchased just before the wedding in January. On January 22, during Swapnil’s wedding, his elder brother Saurabh had also made a reel sitting on this bike. Additionally, another bike and a scooter kept inside the house also caught fire. Four other cars parked nearby remained completely safe.