Headlines
Sixth body recovered in London house fire that killed 5 Hindus
London, Nov 20
The body of a sixth person who went missing in a house fire in west London that killed five members of a Hindu family, including three children, has been found, police said.
Seema Ratra and her three children -- Riyan, Shanaya and Arohi -- died along with a house guest in a blaze that took hold in Channel Close, Hounslow, on November 12 during Diwali celebrations.
Ratra's husband Aroen Kishen who managed to escape the fire has been recovering in the hospital.
Confirming that a sixth body has now been found at the home by firefighters, police said all the victims were adults and children with their deaths being treated as "unexplained".
"For many days now the scene has been too unstable and dangerous to complete many of our inquiries. It was only after the walls were shored up, and the roof removed, that it became safe enough for search teams to enter the premises," senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall said.
“We have now been able to sadly confirm the death of a sixth person," Hall added, expressing condolences to all those affected by the incident.
A joint probe between the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade continues to investigate the cause of fire .
"We intend to complete a meticulous investigation into how this tragedy happened... The investigation into the cause of the fire continues and I must express my thanks to the London Fire Brigade, their knowledge and experience has been crucial in helping us understand what may have happened that dreadful night," Hall said.
Police said that post-mortem examinations will take place in due course and the families of all those concerned have been informed and are being supported.
Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters were pressed into service to control the blaze in which the ground floor and first floor of the mid-terrace house were destroyed and part of the roof was also damaged.
Neighbours said they witnessed Kishen escaping the home screaming, "my kids, my kids", after the fire.
The London Fire Brigade said it was too early to know whether fireworks or candles for recent Diwali celebrations caused the fire.
23 minutes ago
More than 10 pc votes cast in US polls, two weeks before election day
2 hours ago
India-Russia ties so strong that PM Modi would understand me without translation: Putin
4 hours ago
India is the top market for investment globally: Mark Mobius
5 hours ago
India, US, Australia and Japan announce continuation of Quad Cyber Challenge
5 hours ago
"We don't view BRICS as some sort of threat," says White House spokesperson
5 hours ago
Nirmala Sitharaman highlights India's process, governance reforms for more investor-friendly engagements
5 hours ago
Canada India Foundation Honors Sadhguru with 2024 Global Indian Award
7 hours ago
Akshay Oberoi talks about shuffling between ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ and ‘Toxic’ sets
7 hours ago
Salman Khan to fulfill commitment of Chulbul Pandey’s cameo in ‘Singham Again’ amidst tight security
7 hours ago
Jackie Shroff has a new member on his farm, Internet names it ‘Scoo-bidu’
7 hours ago
Raveena Tandon glows as she flaunts hourglass body in metallic gown
7 hours ago
Zeenat Aman shares anecdote from her career ahead of Raj Kapoor’s 100th birth anniversary
7 hours ago
Indian talents making their mark world over, time for more women voices to grow: Anasuya Sengupta