Indore EV fire kills 8 as blaze engulfs home:Victim says car wasn’t charging; pole short circuit sparked the fire

A fire triggered by a suspected short circuit in an electric vehicle being charged at home killed eight members of a family in Indore’s Tilak Nagar area on Tuesday, reducing a house in Greater Brijeshwari Colony to ashes within minutes, police said. The blaze spread rapidly, fuelled by plywood and wooden interiors, leaving those inside with little chance to escape. One of the victims, the elder daughter-in-law, was found seated, in a scene that rescuers described as deeply distressing. A family custom, however, saved one life. The younger daughter-in-law, who was at her parents’ home that day, escaped the tragedy. Soumil Pugalia, son of businessman Manoj Pugalia and one of the survivors, recalled the chaos. “The house filled with smoke within moments. There was darkness and suffocation everywhere. Nothing was visible,” he said. Amid the panic, his elder brother Saurabh alerted the family, waking them up. Saurabh, their mother Sunita, and brothers Harshit and Soumil managed to reach the balcony and shouted for help. Neighbours rushed in, broke the window grills and used ladders to rescue the four. Despite escaping, they tried to return inside to save others, but the flames and dense smoke made it impossible. What began as a routine evening turned into a tragedy within minutes, leaving behind only memories and a grieving family. When even rescue attempts failed… Saurabh Pugalia said the fire spread within moments of the electric car catching fire, quickly engulfing the main gate and blocking the only exit. With no clear way out, he led his mother Sunita and brothers Harshit and Soumil towards the balcony. Hoping others could still be saved, Saurabh tried to re-enter the house. By then, thick smoke had filled every room. Visibility had dropped to zero and breathing had become difficult. Those trapped inside could neither move out nor call for help. Among those who remained inside were his wife Simran, his uncle, their children and his father. None could escape. Simran’s body was later found in a seated position. Three bodies found on stairs during rescue Police, forensic teams and SDRF personnel reached the spot soon after the incident and began rescue operations. During the search, three bodies were found on the staircase leading to the second floor. Investigators said the victims were likely trying to reach the terrace. However, a closed channel gate blocked their path. As smoke spread rapidly through the house, they died of suffocation before they could get out. Fire spreads rapidly due to plywood interiors Preliminary investigation indicated that extensive plywood and wooden interiors, especially on the first floor, accelerated the spread of the fire. Police said signs of a short circuit were found in the porch area where the electric vehicle was being charged. A Bullet motorcycle, a Hayabusa bike and a scooter parked nearby were completely gutted. Some chemicals stored inside the house may also have intensified the blaze, making it harder to control and reducing chances of escape. Family built business over decades Manoj Pugalia had moved from Rajasthan to Indore around 30 years ago and started with a small industrial supply shop in Siyaganj. Over time, he expanded his business and set up another unit in Pithampur. His elder son Saurabh managed the Siyaganj office, while Soumil and Harshit handled operations in Pithampur. The family ran the business together. The fire destroyed the house and claimed several lives in a single incident. Relatives among those killed Those who died included Manoj Pugalia, his daughter-in-law Simran, and his brother-in-law Vijay Sethia along with his family members. The family had recently held celebrations following Soumil’s wedding on January 23. Vijay Sethia, who was undergoing treatment for jaw cancer, had come to stay with them. Custom keeps younger daughter-in-law away The younger daughter-in-law survived as she was at her parents’ home in Petlawad. Family members said a custom prevents a newly married bride from entering her in-laws’ house on a Tuesday. She was scheduled to return the next day, with preparations underway for a small family function. Six-year-old among victims A six-year-old child, Tanmay, was among those killed. His body was recovered after an extended search by rescue teams. Police said the body was sent to MY Hospital for postmortem before the last rites were carried out.