NEW DELHI: Six members of a cloth merchant’s family including five children were killed after a massive fire broke out at their two-storey home in the Lisari Gate area of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
An elderly woman and a neighbour sustained severe burn injuries and are undergoing treatment.
The incident occurred in Gali No. 1, Kidwai Nagar, near Surahi Wali Masjid. Cloth merchant Iqbal alias Asim had stepped out to offer prayers at a nearby mosque along with his brother Farukh when the blaze erupted. At home were his wife Rukhsar (30), mother Ameer Bano (55), and five children -- Mahvish (12), Hammad (4), Addas (3), and six-month-old twin daughters Nabia and Inayat.
According to police, the fire started while the children were playing and the women were preparing food. Neighbours noticed smoke and flames rising from the house and immediately alerted authorities while attempting rescue efforts.