Eight Killed In Indore As EV Charging Sparks Fire, Cylinders Explode

Eight people were killed and three others critically injured early Wednesday when a short circuit during the charging of a Tata Punch electric vehicle sparked a devastating fire at a three-storey house in Indore's Greater Brijeshwari Colony, with multiple LPG cylinder explosions and a partial building collapse compounding the tragedy.

The blaze broke out at around 4:00 am, when the EV charging unit short-circuited and rapidly set the building ablaze. Approximately 15 LPG cylinders stored inside the house exploded in quick succession, with the blasts powerful enough to collapse part of the structure and trap those sleeping inside. The situation was worsened by a power outage that caused the house's digital locks to malfunction, preventing occupants from escaping. Locals said the fire brigade arrived roughly an hour after being alerted.

The Pugalia family had been hosting a family function, with several relatives staying overnight — significantly raising the number of occupants at the time of the fire. Those killed were identified as Vijay Sethia (65), Suman (60), Manoj (65), Simran (30), Chhotu Sethia (22), and Rashi Sethia (12), along with two others. Saurabh Pugalia (30), Ashish (30), and Harshit Pugalia (25) were hospitalised with critical injuries.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the short circuit and any safety lapses that may have contributed to the scale of the disaster.