Ludhiana: A massive fire broke out at the mansion of a hosiery businessman in Ludhiana on Wednesday, leaving two family members dead. The victims were identified as a grandmother and her grandchild, who reportedly died of suffocation after being trapped inside.
Residents said most people were evacuated from the house soon after the fire broke out, but the two victims could not be rescued in time. Smoke also spread to an adjoining mansion, forcing the evacuation of its residents as well.
Preliminary reports suggest the blaze was triggered by a short circuit. Eyewitnesses said locals made repeated attempts to douse the flames, but the situation worsened, prompting a call to the fire brigade.
Three fire tenders were deployed to the spot, and officials evacuated nearby houses as a precaution. The incident triggered panic in the area, with thick plumes of smoke seen rising from the residence.
