Bathinda Fire Tragedy: Two Children Lose Lives
A tragic fire incident in Bathinda, Punjab, has claimed the lives of two young children. The blaze, which erupted in the shanties of Uriya Colony near the closed thermal plant, left seven shanties completely destroyed.
The fire broke out around 5:30 am on Tuesday as a woman prepared meals. An LPG cylinder blast triggered the inferno, which rapidly spread to the other shanties. Due to a narrow bridge restricting access to the shanties, fire tenders were unable to reach the site immediately. Valuable time was lost as firefighters carried water pipes on foot to extinguish the flames.
The delayed response proved fatal for two young children, aged six and four. Other residents sustained injuries in the incident. The lack of a proper bridge has been a persistent problem in Uriya Colony, hindering access for emergency services.
In 2021, the Naujawan Welfare Society approached the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) to advocate for the construction of a bridge. The colony residents have faced several fire incidents over the decades, prompting the society to seek a solution for future emergencies.
The tragic loss of these two children underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in Uriya Colony. The provision of a proper bridge would ensure timely access by emergency services and prevent similar tragedies.
