Twelve dead in Diwali night fires across Madhya Pradesh towns

Tragedy struck two towns across Madhya Pradesh as fires broke out during Diwali celebrations, leaving a trail of loss and grief in their wake. The incidents in Katni and Siwni districts resulted in a death toll of 12, with four additional persons sustaining injuries requiring medical attention.

In the Barhi area of Katni district, a three-storey residential structure became engulfed in flames, claiming the lives of six family members in a single home. Among the victims was a two-month-old infant who died in the arms of his mother, Poonam, in a scene that deeply moved onlookers and rescue personnel at the site.

The exact cause of both fires remains under investigation by local authorities. Emergency response teams conducted rescue operations throughout the night, though the rapid spread of flames in both locations limited the ability to prevent casualties.

The incidents have cast a shadow over Diwali celebrations in the region, with families in both affected areas mourning the sudden loss of loved ones. District administration officials have announced relief measures for the bereaved families and are examining fire safety compliance in residential structures across the affected areas.