Tragic Fire in Indore Claims Eight Lives Due to Electric Car Explosion

A catastrophic explosion from an electric vehicle charging outside a home in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in the tragic deaths of eight family members, including two children. The incident, which occurred early Wednesday morning, also left four others injured. Authorities reported that the fire was likely caused by a short circuit in the car, which quickly spread and intensified due to gas cylinder explosions. Rescue operations faced challenges due to malfunctioning electronic locks. The state government has announced an investigation into the incident and compensation for the victims' families. Read on for more details about this heartbreaking event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 12:30 IST

Devastating Incident in Indore

A tragic explosion occurred while an electric vehicle was charging outside a residence in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, early Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of eight family members, including two children, and leaving four others injured.

The incident unfolded around 4 am in the Brajeshwari Annex Colony of Tilak Nagar, as reported by local authorities. At the time, twelve individuals were asleep inside the home.

Kumar Prateek, the Deputy Commissioner of Indore Zone 3, indicated that the fire likely originated from a short circuit in the electric car, which rapidly spread to the house's electrical system and a nearby sports bike. The situation escalated when two liquefied petroleum gas cylinders stored in the house exploded.

Rescue teams faced significant challenges accessing the site due to electronic locks on the doors malfunctioning, which hindered their entry.

The rescue operation lasted for two and a half hours and involved personnel from the police, fire department, and the State Disaster Emergency Response Force.

The victims have been identified as Tanmay (7), Rashi Sethia (12), Simran Pugalia (30), Tinu (35), Suman Sethia (60), Vijay Sethia (65), Chhotu Sethia (22), and the homeowner, Manoj Pugalia (65).

Six of the deceased were visiting from Kishanganj district in Bihar, having come to Indore to see relatives.

Authorities reported that the primary cause of death was smoke inhalation.

Kailash Vijayvargiya, the State Urban Development and Housing Minister, announced that an expert committee will investigate the incident and establish a standard operating procedure for electric vehicle charging to avert future tragedies.

In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.