Saturday, March 29, 2025
A deadly fire tore through a six-storey apartment building in Kanpur’s Prem Nagar area on Sunday night. The blaze started at around 8:30 PM in a shoe factory located on the first floor. Officials say a short circuit sparked the fire, which spread rapidly due to flammable chemicals inside the unit.
Chemical drums, air conditioners, and gas cylinders exploded as the fire intensified. These blasts caused panic in the neighborhood and shook nearby buildings. Authorities quickly cut electricity and evacuated surrounding apartments as a safety measure.
The flames engulfed all six floors within minutes. Firefighters and locals watched helplessly as the structure burned.
Danish, a local shoe supplier to the army, lived in the building with his wife Nazneen and their three daughters—Sara, Sameera, and Inaya. His brother Qasim, who lives in the same building, had gone to visit relatives.
When the fire broke out, several family members were inside. Firefighters later recovered three charred bodies, including that of a woman. Rescue teams are still searching for the missing children.
Officials rescued four residents alive. A tuition teacher was also inside at the time, but remains missing.
Over 40 fire engines rushed to the scene. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire officials worked through the night. Firefighters accessed the building from neighboring rooftops to fight the flames.
Local leaders, including Mayor Pramila Pandey, MLA Naseem Solanki, and ADM City Dr. Rajesh Kumar, visited the scene. Ambulances and stretchers waited outside to carry victims to safety.
This fire has raised serious concerns about running chemical-based factories inside residential buildings. Officials have begun an investigation to determine if the unit followed safety protocols.
The rescue operation is ongoing, with authorities committed to locating the remaining missing persons.
