Itanagar, Dec 17: In a tragic incident, two siblings were charred to death after a devastating fire broke out at Peon Colony in Tezu, the district headquarters of Lohit district, in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to police, the fire erupted around 3.30 am and quickly engulfed three residential structures, all of which were old quarters. The nature of the buildings and the presence of LPG cylinders reportedly aided the rapid spread of the blaze, leaving little time for rescue.
The deceased have been identified as 17-year-old Chera Nikia and 9-year-old Chera Kagung. At the time of the incident, the children were alone at home as their parents had gone to Koloriang to cast their votes in the ongoing Panchayat elections.
Informed sources said that at least four LPG cylinders exploded during the fire, intensifying the flames. Neighbours rushed to the spot and made desperate attempts to douse the fire, but were unable to save the children.
The fire completely gutted three houses belonging to Habung Umi, Gyati Naka and Chera Neel, causing extensive loss of property. Fire brigade personnel, assisted by police and local residents, reached the spot around 4 am and managed to bring the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby houses.
Confirming the incident, Lohit Superintendent of Police Thupten Jamba said a case has been registered at Tezu police station.
“The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination for identification and completion of legal formalities. It is too early to ascertain the exact cause of the fire,” the SP said, adding that further investigation is underway.
The grieving parents of the deceased children have been called for identification of the bodies.
Expressing grief at the loss of two precious lives, local MLA Mohesh Chai provided immediate relief materials and directed the District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) to expedite compensation, including ex-gratia assistance, to the bereaved family and others who suffered losses in the fire.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the locality, with residents mourning the tragic loss of young lives and calling for improved fire safety measures in old residential quarters.