Sambalpur/Rengali: A pall of gloom hung over Rengali Puruna slum, in Sambalpur district, as the last rites of three minor children who died in a gas tragedy were performed Thursday. Two of the kids were Simran (13) and Aryan (11), children of Narottam Jagat and Nilima Jagat, and the third Kirti Chand (17), daughter of their relative.
The last rites were performed after post-mortem at the Burla-based VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR). The family members cried inconsolably even as hundreds of locals thronged the village to extend their emotional support. The incident came soon after the Rourkela gas tragedy wherein four members of a family, including two minor children, were burnt to death.
Sources said the latest gas leak mishap occurred while Nilima was busy cooking in the kitchen Wednesday night. Fire erupted due to the gas leak and flames enveloped the entire kitchen. Narottam tried in vain to douse the flames. Failing in their attempt, the couple fled the house leaving behind three children, who were studying in another room. The three kids were burnt alive in the cylinder burst.
Police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The bodies were sent for post-mortem. The incident caused outrage in the area. Locals alleged that lack of awareness about safety measures in the use of gas led to the tragedy.
Kirti was at Narottam’s house on a visit along with her sister Rebati Chand for an interview. After the interview, the two sisters spent time with Narottam and other relatives at the house. However, this turned out to be ill-fated for Kirti. Rebati was absent at the house during the time of the fire. Neighbours expressed the grief they failed to be of any help to save the children. Although they heard the noise of the gas-burst and reached the spot, they could do little due to the fast-spreading fire.
The local tehsildar paid a visit and took stock of the situation. He promised the affected families of a compensation of Rs four lakh each. He also promised to ensure that the company (Indane), whose gas the family used, paid necessary compensation.
Majhipali-based Saraswati Sishu Bidya Mandir School, in which the two children of Narottam studied, remained closed for the day as a mark of mourning. PNN
