Bhubaneswar, May 6: A devastating fire at Basanti Villa Apartment in Laxmisagar, Bhubaneswar, has claimed three lives, including that of a minor girl, leaving the city in shock.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, around 4 am, when most residents were asleep.

According to preliminary reports, the blaze originated from a short circuit in the electrical panel board located in the guard room of the apartment complex. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the area and trapping those nearby.

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Two individuals — Biswajit Behera, a security guard, and Sulabha Behera, a caretaker — lost their lives due to suffocation and severe burn injuries.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and managed to rescue a minor girl who had sustained critical injuries. She was immediately taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment. Tragically, despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries later in the day, raising the death toll to three.

Family members of the deceased confirmed the girl’s passing, adding to the grief surrounding the incident. The fire department has since brought the situation under control, but the damage and loss of life have left residents shaken.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire, with initial findings pointing to an electrical short circuit. The tragedy has sparked concerns over fire safety measures in residential complexes.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and fire safety awareness in urban housing complexes.