8 killed in blaze after explosion at house, probe ordered amid conflicting claims

 

By Sumesh Rajan | March 20, 2026

Indore, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA: Eight members of a family were killed in a devastating fire that broke out at a businessman’s three-storey residence in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, early Wednesday March 18 morning. The blaze is suspected to have been triggered by an explosion near an electric vehicle (EV) charging point, though conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the exact cause.

According to officials, the incident occurred around 4 a.m. at the house of businessman Manoj Pugalia in Brajeshwari Annexe Colony. Fire department personnel who rushed to the scene found an electric car parked outside the house engulfed in flames, with the fire rapidly spreading to the entire building.

“As we began dousing the fire, a loud explosion occurred, followed by another powerful blast,” a fire official said. Investigators later found indications that 10 to 11 LPG cylinders were stored inside the house, several of which exploded during the blaze, intensifying the fire. Five cylinders were safely removed during the operation.

Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh stated that the fire may have originated from an explosion at the EV charging point, which then ignited the vehicle and spread to the house. He added that a forensic investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

The victims have been identified as Manoj Pugalia (65), Vijay Sethia (65), Suman Sethia (60), Simran (30), Tinu (35), Chhotu Sethia (22), and two minors, Tanmay (6) and Rashi Sethia (12). Three other occupants were rescued by emergency responders after breaking open the building’s grille.

Officials also noted that thick smoke and the structure of the house made rescue efforts difficult. Initial reports suggested that electronic door locks may have delayed access after the power supply was cut, though this claim has been disputed by a survivor.

Saurabh Pugalia, the businessman’s son and one of the survivors, rejected the theory that the EV charging point caused the fire. “The car was not connected to the charger at the time. We charge it daily, but not on that day. It is unclear how the charging point could have caused a fire,” he said.

He further claimed that videos circulating on social media appeared to show a blast at a nearby electric pole, with sparks falling in the vicinity. He also denied reports about electronic locks, stating that the house did not have such a system and remained easily accessible.

Raising concerns over emergency response, Saurabh added that quicker arrival of fire tenders and ambulances might have saved lives.

The incident has prompted the Madhya Pradesh government to order a detailed probe. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav termed the tragedy “extremely painful” and said a team of experts would investigate the cause of the fire and recommend preventive measures.

Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken once the investigation report is submitted, with a focus on preventing such incidents in the future.