Residents Escape via Rooftop as Fire Engines Arrive 30 Minutes Late
Key Points:
- New refrigerator explodes and engulfs entire house in Sonari’s C Road
- Trapped residents leap to neighbour’s rooftop to escape the blaze
- Fire brigade arrives 30 minutes late; two engines finally douse the flames
JAMSHEDPUR — A powerful explosion inside a brand-new refrigerator triggered a massive fire at a residence behind the Jo-Jo shop on C Road in Sonari on Tuesday.
The blast was so intense that flames spread to the entire house within moments. Residents inside had no time to escape through the main door.
In a dramatic bid to survive, the occupants climbed to the rooftop. They then leapt across to a neighbouring house’s roof to save their lives.
The fire department was alerted immediately after the incident. However, the team took nearly half an hour to reach the spot. Meanwhile, the delay allowed the fire to spread further, sending panic through the surrounding neighbourhood.
Two fire engines eventually arrived and battled the blaze at length. However, by the time the flames were brought under control, a large portion of the house had already been reduced to ashes.
News of the fire drew large crowds to the site. Residents from nearby areas gathered in significant numbers to witness the aftermath. Many appeared visibly shaken by the scale of the destruction.
Refrigerator explosions, though uncommon, have been reported in India in recent years. These are typically caused by compressor failure, gas leaks, or electrical short circuits. Experts advise against placing new appliances near flammable materials and recommend proper ventilation around refrigerators.
The Jamshedpur fire incident has once again raised questions about the response time of the city’s fire brigade. Residents in Sonari and surrounding areas have expressed concern over delayed fire response in residential localities.
Earlier this year, a tent godown fire in the city similarly saw delayed intervention. In another case, a cable firm in Golmuri witnessed repeated fire incidents. Authorities have yet to address the recurring concerns over fire safety in the city’s residential and commercial zones.
