In brief
Late Sunday night, three distinct fire outbreaks struck households and a family business across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, killing six people in each incident and injuring several others, Xinhua reports. While local police confirm the casualty figures, causes remain unknown, and other reports suggest different death tolls.
At least 18 people were killed in three separate fire incidents during Diwali celebrations in India, local police confirmed on Monday, detailing the casualties in Seoni and Katni districts of Madhya Pradesh and in Dharashiv district of Maharashtra.
Diwali, the spring festival of lights, was observed across the country on Sunday, with households lighting fireworks and candles. On the night of the annual festival, a series of tragic events unfolded in different parts of the nation.
In Seoni district, a massive blaze erupted inside a three‑story family house. Police said six members of the family perished and four were injured as flames consumed the residence. The injured were quickly evacuated to a local hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, in Katni district, a fire broke out at a multi‑story crockery shop operated by another family. Six persons belonging to that family were killed. A local cop noted that the cause of the fire remains unknown.
In Dharashiv district, a separate incident involved a fire that spread throughout a home where the family had fallen asleep. All six members died of asphyxiation inside the house, local authorities reported.
Across all three locations, the causes of the fires remain largely undetermined, leaving residents and investigators with unanswered questions about how the incidents began.
The Xinhua report, based on statements from local police, anchors the official death and injury figures for the three incidents.
A separate Facebook post from Asian News Hub claimed that at least 12 people were killed in twin fire tragedies in Madhya Pradesh on Diwali night, but the post did not provide detailed circumstances or confirm the exact death toll.
In addition, a News18 article noted only three deaths and several missing persons amid Diwali‑related fires across India, indicating a lower casualty count than the official figures.
Emergency responders rushed to the sites as the fires unfolded, evacuating victims and coordinating with medical facilities. Local authorities have called for thorough investigations into each incident, urging communities to exercise caution with fireworks and open flames during the festival period.