Belagavi: Four women members of a family were killed and two others were critically injured after a refrigerator reportedly exploded at their house in Chavat Galli early on Tuesday, police said.
Incident and immediate response
The blaze broke out at around 2.30 am in a residence located within the jurisdiction of the Market Police Station, Belagavi Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam said. Flames spread rapidly through the premises, trapping occupants and preventing escape, the police said.
- Location: Chavat Galli, Market Police Station limits, Belagavi city.
- Time: Around 2.30 am (reported by Belagavi Police Commissioner).
- Initial cause reported: Explosion of a refrigerator; probe under way by FSL and HESCOM teams.
Casualties and medical condition
According to the police, the deceased have been identified as Ganga Dhamone (25), Sharada Dhamone (45), Priya Dhamone (28) and Bharati Dhamone (50). Four women died on the spot from burn injuries, the police said.
Two male members of the family, Gajanan Dhamone (65) and his son Roshan Dhamone (21), sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to hospital. Commissioner Nikam said Gajanan has suffered about 80 per cent burn injuries while Roshan has sustained around 40 per cent burns. Both are undergoing treatment.
"Prima facie, it appears to be a short circuit, but we have to confirm it. The son who survived has told us that he heard a sound that appeared to be from a short circuit. But we will ascertain the exact cause after the FSL team," Belagavi Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam said.
Investigation under way
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) officers and personnel from HESCOM (Hubli Electricity Supply Company Limited) reached the scene to examine the remains of the appliance and the electrical installations, the police said. The preliminary assessment indicated the possibility of an electrical short circuit leading to the refrigerator explosion, but officials emphasised that the final cause will be determined after technical analysis.
The police said post-mortem examinations on the four deceased will be completed and the bodies handed over to relatives immediately after necessary procedures.
Local context and consequences
The incident occurred during the Ganesha Chaturthi period, when many families in Belagavi were marking the festival; however, police did not link the timing to any festival-related activity. Local residents and daily-wage labour communities, to which the family reportedly belonged, are likely to be affected by the sudden loss of primary earners and caregivers. The hospitalisation of two male members with severe burns also raises immediate concerns about long-term treatment costs and rehabilitation needs.
| Victim | Age | Status / Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Ganga Dhamone | 25 | Deceased (burn injuries) |
| Sharada Dhamone | 45 | Deceased (burn injuries) |
| Priya Dhamone | 28 | Deceased (burn injuries) |
| Bharati Dhamone | 50 | Deceased (burn injuries) |
| Gajanan Dhamone | 65 | Hospitalised; ~80% burns |
| Roshan Dhamone | 21 | Hospitalised; ~40% burns |
Officials advised that any conclusive statement on the origin of the blast will await the FSL report and HESCOM's examination of electrical wiring and the appliance. The Market Police Station has registered the case and is coordinating with forensic teams.
The tragedy adds to a spate of domestic appliance-related fires reported nationally in recent months, highlighting concerns about electrical safety, maintenance of household appliances and the need for stricter compliance with safety standards.
Further updates will be available when the police and forensic teams conclude their investigation and the hospital releases medical bulletins on the condition of the injured.
