A Diwali-night fire in Barhi, Katni district, kills six people in a three-storey building that houses a crockery shop, trapping family members inside. The blaze breaks out around midnight on Monday, November 9. Katni Collector Ashish Tiwari says the fire spreads partly because flammable crockery materials stored on the lower floor help fuel the flames, and rescue operations face challenges as the intensity of the blaze grows.
Other coverage also reports a second Diwali-related fatal fire in Seoni district, where six people die in a residence linked to a bullion trader. Across outlets, reporting identifies victims that include an infant in Katni. Times of India and NDTV note that officials have not yet determined the causes of the fires, while the Hindu focuses on the Katni fire’s contributing factors. Free Press Journal adds details on the overnight response, including recovery efforts and use of heavy equipment, as well as mentions of possible technical issues with firefighting hoses.
All outlets describe separate family deaths during Diwali, and the overall death toll is reported as 12 across Katni and Seoni, though the specific explanations and added operational details differ by outlet.
