Indore EV Fire: 8 Dead as Digital Locks Fail During Charging Incident

A devastating fire in Indore's Greater Brijeshwari Colony claimed the lives of eight people, including a pregnant woman, in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident occurred near Bengali Square when an electric car caught fire while being charged, subsequently engulfing a three-story residential building. According to police officials, the deceased include rubber businessman Manoj Pugalia and his daughter-in-law Simran. Four others sustained critical injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Origin and Spread of the Fire

According to preliminary police reports, a Tata Punch electric vehicle was plugged into a charging point outside the residence. 00 AM, a short circuit in the charging system ignited the vehicle. The fire rapidly spread from the car to the main structure of the house, while the intense heat caused domestic gas cylinders stored inside to explode in quick succession. The force of the explosions was so severe that a portion of the building collapsed, complicating rescue efforts.

Failure of Digital Locking Systems

A critical factor in the high death toll was the failure of the home's security infrastructure. According to investigators, the fire caused an immediate power outage in the building. The house was equipped with electronic digital locks which failed to operate without electricity. As the locks remained jammed, the occupants were unable to exit the burning structure, while the victims were trapped inside as smoke and flames filled the rooms, leaving them with no escape route during the emergency.

Victims and Family Background

Among the eight deceased, six were relatives of Manoj Pugalia who had arrived from Kishanganj, Bihar, only a day prior to the incident. The family had gathered for a domestic visit when the tragedy struck. Authorities confirmed that the victims included a pregnant woman, making the loss even more profound. Medical reports indicate that most deaths were caused by asphyxiation and severe burn injuries as the fire moved rapidly through the floors.

Rescue Operations and Response

Local residents reported that the fire brigade arrived approximately one hour after being notified of the blaze, while by the time emergency services reached the spot, the fire had already caused extensive structural damage. Neighbors attempted to assist, but the continuous explosion of gas cylinders prevented them from entering the premises. Police have registered a case and initiated a technical investigation into the EV charging equipment and the electrical wiring of the house to determine the exact cause of the short circuit.