Short Circuit Sparks Deadly Fire at Kanpur Shoe Factory, Killing Two

A devastating fire, triggered by an electrical short circuit, engulfed a shoe factory in Kanpur’s Chaman Ganj, claiming two lives and injuring five others critically. The blaze, starting around 8:30 PM in the six-storey building, spread rapidly due to flammable materials like leather, adhesives, and chemicals. Thick smoke and intense heat trapped workers, complicating rescue efforts. Over a dozen fire engines were deployed, battling the inferno for hours as nearby residents were evacuated for safety.

Cause and Immediate Fallout
Preliminary investigations pinpoint a faulty electrical system as the fire’s origin, with authorities noting the factory lacked updated wiring and fire safety certifications. The short circuit, likely caused by overloaded circuits, ignited stored materials, turning the facility into a death trap. The two deceased night-shift workers succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation, while the five survivors, battling severe injuries, were rushed to a local hospital. The tragedy has left families shattered, with local officials promising support for those affected.

Safety Violations Exposed
The Kanpur fire underscores systemic issues in India’s industrial sector, where many factories operate without proper safety protocols. The facility, reportedly running illegally, lacked fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and regular inspections, according to early probes. Such oversights are common in Kanpur’s crowded industrial zones, where cost-cutting often trumps compliance. The incident has sparked outrage, with workers’ unions demanding accountability from factory owners and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future disasters.

Locals support rescue efforts
Local residents aided rescue efforts, while police cordoned off the area to manage crowds and debris. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an inquiry, vowing to penalize those responsible for negligence. The site has been sealed for forensic analysis, with experts examining electrical systems and structural integrity. As Kanpur mourns, the fire serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of unregulated industries. Calls for reform grow louder, urging authorities to prioritize worker safety and implement rigorous oversight to avert such tragedies in the future.