Three Dead, Including Young Child And Mother, After Fire Breaks Out In Junagadh

Junagadh: A tragic fire in Junagadh’s Zanzarda Road area claimed three lives, including a mother and her young daughter, in the early hours today. The blaze, which also left five others injured, reportedly started after an underground gas pipeline was leaked during unauthorised digging work involving a JCB machine.

Eyewitnesses described a sudden explosion followed by a rapid spread of flames through the area, which is lined with food stalls and small kiosks. The intensity of the fire led to severe damage to a fast food centre and nearby shops before fire officials could bring the situation under control. The deceased include 39-year-old Rupiben Solanki and her three-year-old daughter Bhaktiben, while her husband remains hospitalised. The couple had their daughter after 18 years of marriage. The third victim was identified as Hareshbhai Rabadiya.

According to officials, no prior permission had been taken before the excavation began. A lineman from PGVCL confirmed that their department had not been informed, and said the fire broke out moments after the gas line was struck, likely due to a spark caused by the machinery.

Top officials, including the district collector and senior police officers, rushed to the site following the incident. As a precautionary measure, access roads to the area were temporarily shut to manage the crowd and ensure relief work could continue smoothly.

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, authorities believe several commercial establishments suffered major losses. The site has been cordoned off, and a detailed inquiry is underway to determine accountability. Strict action is expected against those responsible for the negligence.