Patna district in Bihar was struck by profound sorrow following a fierce fire that claimed the lives of two minor siblings in Masaurhi on Saturday. The afternoon blaze turned a routine day into a nightmare for the family and community in Danada village.
Eyewitnesses described how flames suddenly erupted in a rural shed around 2:30 PM, trapping Priyanshu Kumar, aged 7, and his 3-year-old sister Mansi Kumari inside. The children, son and daughter of local farmer Vikas Kumar, were playing unsupervised while the family toiled in nearby fields.
Rushing back after seeing smoke billow into the sky, Vikas discovered the devastating truth too late. ‘My heart is broken. We had just come back to the village two days ago for their Aadhaar cards. They were staying with their aunt for studies,’ he shared, overcome with emotion. The family had relocated temporarily from Chachasi village, unaware of the impending disaster.
Bhagwanganj police were quick to respond, with SHO Sujeet Kumar leading the investigation. ‘The boy and girl were inside the hut when the fire started. We’re examining all possible causes, from electrical faults to accidental ignition,’ he informed. Post-mortem reports are awaited to provide further clarity.
This incident has ignited discussions on child safety in rural Bihar, where open fires for cooking and poor infrastructure heighten risks. The community has rallied around the bereaved parents, organizing support and prayers. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing such heartrending losses in the future. The innocence of Priyanshu and Mansi serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility in underserved areas.