The fire claimed the lives of seven individuals, including three minors. The victims were rushed to Rajawadi Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival.

The blaze started at 5.20 am on the ground floor, which housed a shop. The fire spread to the upper floor, which was used as a residence, trapping the victims inside.

The fire was confined to the shop’s electrical wiring and installations before spreading upwards. Fire officials described it as a ‘level-one’ fire.

The deceased were identified as Peris Gupta (7), Manju Prem Gupta (30), Anita Gupta (39), Prem Gupta (30), Narendra Gupta (10), Vidhi Chediram Gupta (15), and Gitadevi Dharamdev Gupta (60).

Firefighters and water tankers were dispatched immediately to the scene. The fire was brought under control and fully extinguished by 9.15 am.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.

On the same weekend, another fire broke out at Bharat Industrial Estate in Sewri. No casualties were reported, and the fire was doused in the early hours of Sunday.