Fatal blaze in Chavhatgalli claims four lives; probe on cause
Belagavi — Four members of a family were killed and two others seriously injured after a fire swept through a house in the Chavhatgalli area of Belagavi late on Monday night, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred within the Market police station limits during Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.
According to initial reports from police and fire department officials, the fire was rapid and engulfed the house, trapping those inside. Authorities said the blaze was reportedly triggered by a refrigerator explosion, which caused the fire to spread quickly before neighbours or emergency services could extinguish it.
"A refrigerator explosion triggered the fire, which quickly engulfed the entire house," police told news agencies.
Police identified the deceased as Gajanan Damone (65), Roshan Damone (21), Sharda Damone (45) and Bharathi Damone (50). Two other family members, Priya Damone (28) and Ganga Damone (25), sustained serious injuries and were admitted to a private hospital for treatment, officials said.
- Location: Chavhatgalli area, Market police station limits, Belagavi city
- Incident time: Late on Monday night during Ganesha Chaturthi festivities
- Immediate cause: Reported refrigerator explosion; investigation underway
Firefighters and police reached the spot after being alerted and conducted rescue operations, but those inside the house were reportedly unable to escape. The family members were said to be daily wage labourers, according to preliminary accounts provided to investigators.
| Victim / Injured | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gajanan Damone | 65 | Deceased |
| Roshan Damone | 21 | Deceased |
| Sharda Damone | 45 | Deceased |
| Bharathi Damone | 50 | Deceased |
| Priya Damone | 28 | Seriously injured, hospitalised |
| Ganga Damone | 25 | Seriously injured, hospitalised |
Officials from the Market police station have registered a case and started an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the fire. The nature of the inquiry is to establish whether a technical fault in the refrigerator caused the blast, whether there were lapses in electrical safety, or if any other factor contributed to the rapid spread.
The incident comes at a time when many households in the city conduct puja and domestic activities related to Ganesha Chaturthi, often involving additional electrical loads and temporary decorations. Local civic officials said later that they would remind residents about electrical safety and safe handling of household appliances during festival periods.
Emergency responders in Belagavi regularly caution that sudden appliance malfunctions, overloaded circuits and unattended electrical devices are common ignition sources for domestic fires. The fire department and police said they will examine the scene, appliance remnants and wiring to ascertain the precise cause, and forward technical findings to the relevant authorities.
Hospital authorities treating the injured said both women were admitted with burn injuries and smoke inhalation; their conditions were described as serious. Further updates on their treatment and recovery are awaited from the treating hospital.
The deaths deepen concern over festival-time safety in crowded urban quarters of Belagavi. Local councillors and neighbourhood groups often call for awareness drives and safety checks ahead of major festivals. The ongoing investigation by Market police will determine whether any negligence or violation of safety norms occurred, and whether further action is warranted.
Police asked anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward to assist with the inquiry.
Note: Details in this report are based on initial information released by police and fire department officials and corroborated by regional wire reports; the investigation is continuing.
