Late-night blaze in Cuttack's Sana Patasundarpur leaves two critically burned, cattle injured

House gutted; two family members seriously burned while rescuing cattle

A late-night fire ravaged a three-room thatched house in Sana Patasundarpur village under Kantapada block in Cuttack district on Friday, leaving a man and his nephew critically injured and causing extensive loss of property, police and local reports said on Saturday.

The blaze, which broke out while the family were asleep, quickly consumed the dwelling and household articles, reducing many items to ashes and destroying a motorcycle kept inside the premises. The family also kept cattle inside the compound; several animals were trapped at the time of the fire and sustained burn injuries.

"The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained."

According to local reports, the two injured men rushed into the burning house after noticing the flames to rescue the cattle. In the rescue attempt they sustained serious burn injuries and were first given emergency care locally before being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack for advanced treatment. Their condition is described as serious.

Initial information indicates that as many as 10 cows were trapped and suffered burn injuries. Neighbours and family members carried out rescue efforts until emergency responders arrived. No official cause for the ignition has been confirmed by authorities; investigations are under way.

Immediate local impact and response

The fire destroyed most household belongings, and the family is reported to be devastated. Local authorities and community members have begun relief and support measures, while medical teams continue to monitor the injured at SCB hospital.

• Location: Sana Patasundarpur village, Kantapada block, Cuttack district
• Structure: Three-room thatched house
• Human injuries: Two (man and his nephew) — serious burn injuries
• Animal injuries: Approximately 10 cows sustained burns
• Property loss: Household articles and a motorcycle destroyed

The absence of definite information about the origin of the fire means investigators will examine possible causes, including electrical faults, storage of combustible material, or accidental ignition. Authorities have not released names or further clinical details of the injured pending family consent and medical updates.

Precautions and community guidance

Fires in thatched and semi-thatched houses spread rapidly, particularly at night when occupants are asleep. Residents in Cuttack's rural and peri-urban wards are advised to follow basic fire-safety measures to reduce risk and improve survival outcomes:

• Keep cattle sheds and living spaces separated where possible; avoid storing fodder or flammable material inside or adjacent to sleeping rooms.
• Ensure safe electrical wiring and avoid overloading circuits; use certified appliances and regularly inspect wiring in older houses.
• Maintain easy exit routes and keep a bucket of sand, water, or a basic fire extinguisher accessible, especially in households with thatched roofs.
• Have a local emergency plan and a designated meeting point so family members can account for all persons and animals quickly.

Local community leaders are coordinating assistance for the affected family, and further updates are expected once police and fire investigators conclude preliminary inquiries. In the interim, residents are urged to report any electrical hazards or unsafe storage of combustible materials to the nearest gram panchayat or police chowki.

Officials have asked residents to remain vigilant and to assist authorities with information that might help establish the cause of the fire. Medical teams at SCB are treating burn victims according to established protocols while the family awaits support from local welfare channels.