Odisha Blaze Not a Rarity, Fires Killed 3 Lakh People in 14 Years
Between 2001 and 2014, over 3 lakh fires were reported in India. Maharashtra accounted for 25% of all deaths.
More than 20 people lost their lives in a hospital fire in Odisha. According to preliminary reports, an electrical short circuit is believed to have caused the tragedy.
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau on fire accidents in India shows that close to 3 lakh people lost their lives in fires between 2001 and 2014. This works out to an average of 59 deaths a day.
More Than 3 Lakh Fire Accidents Between 2001 & 2014
The data on fire accidents maintained by the National Crime Records Bureau is reported in its yearly publication, ‘Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India’.
The bulk of the cases reported every year are under the ‘other causes’ category. Between 2001 and 2014, 3.16 lakh incidents of fire were reported in the country. In 12 of the 14 years, more than 20,000 cases were reported annually.
Average of 59 Deaths Per Day Over the Last 14 Years
Close to 3 lakh people lost their lives in fires between 2001 and 2014 -- an average of 59 deaths per day.
One-Fourth of All Reported Deaths in Maharashtra Alone
Of all the states/Union territories, Maharashtra reported the highest number of cases and deaths between 2001 and 2014. The state registered over 84,000 cases and 71,730 deaths in the 14-year period. This is 24% of all the fatalities reported in the country. Madhya Pradesh was second in the list, with less than half the number of deaths as Maharashtra.
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat together accounted for 46% of all the reported fatalities.
(This article has been edited for brevity.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)