In a tragic incident in the Tikri Kalan area, a 31-year-old man and his wife died of suffocation after being trapped inside their burning grocery shop. The fire, which broke out on Friday, led to a fatal combination of toxic smoke and an electrified shutter that prevented their escape.
The Incident
The victims have been identified as 31-year-old Vineet and his wife 29-year-old Renu, natives of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, who ran the grocery store in Tikri Kalan.
The Cause: Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was triggered by a short circuit in the shop's counter area. The flames rapidly engulfed plastic packets stored nearby, filling the interior with thick smoke.
The Trap: According to a senior police officer, as the fire spread, an electric current passed through the shop's shutter. It is alleged that in an attempt to escape, the couple tried to manipulate the shutter but were trapped inside due to the current and the smoke.
Police Response And Rescue
Police received a PCR call on Friday reporting smoke and flames issuing from the shop. Upon arrival, the team found the shutter partially closed and the shop filled with dense smoke.
Rescue Operation: Police officers used a wooden log to break open the electrified shutter to retrieve the couple.
Hospitalisation: The victims were rushed to Oscar Hospital in Bahadurgarh, where doctors pronounced them dead on arrival.
Investigation
The Crime Team and the Fire Department have inspected the scene to ascertain the exact sequence of events. Police have confirmed that further legal proceedings are currently underway.
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