MAPUSA
A family was left homeless after a fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, completely gutted their rented house in Bastora on Friday. No injuries were reported as the couple was at work and their children were at school when the fire broke out.
According to witnesses, the house owner noticed smoke coming out of the rented house and immediately tried to control the fire using a water hose. However, the flames spread quickly, forcing him to alert the Fire and Emergency Services. By the time firefighters reached the spot, the house had been reduced to ashes.
The family lost all their belongings, including electronic items, cupboards, utensils, clothes, school books, electrical appliances, important documents, and over Rs 80,000 in cash.
House owner Digambar said he made every possible effort to control the fire before calling for help.
“The family has lost almost everything. We have informed the panchayat and requested assistance. Thankfully, no one was inside the house when the fire broke out,” he said.
Former Bastora panchayat member Ranjit Usgaonkar described the incident as unfortunate and assured all possible help to the affected family on humanitarian grounds.
While a short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire, the exact reason will be confirmed after a detailed investigation.
