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Two killed in Mathura fire

At least 11 persons were killed and 126 injured, 25 of them grievously, in a fire that broke out in a diesel shop in Berigarh village under Farah police station, 30km from Mathura.

According to reports received at the state headquarters in Lucknow, a candle left burning in the shop by its owner, Nahar Singh, caused the fire.

Additional Superintendent of Police Vir Bahadur Singh, who rushed to the spot, said four women and 15 children below ten years of age were among those severely burnt.

What began as a small fire spread to drums containing diesel, probably also petrol. As the containers exploded, burning debris landed on huts and granaries in the village while people ran in confusion.

All the injured were hospitalised, but 11 died of their injuries. Three houses were also damaged.

Fire-tenders from the Mathura Refinery and Agra controlled the blaze after several hours. The injured have been admitted to about a dozen nursing homes.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

UNI

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