The fire, which broke out around 4 AM on 18/3 in the Brijeshwari Annexe area of Indore district, Madhya Pradesh state, started from an electric car charging outside a three-story house. It quickly spread to a nearby electricity pole and then into the home where 12 people were sleeping. Eight family members died from smoke inhalation, including the two oldest, 65 years old this year, and two children, one 12 years old and one 7 years old.

Local police reported that the fire quickly engulfed the house and intensified after several LPG gas cylinders stored inside exploded. When rescue teams arrived, three people were evacuated, but others remained trapped, particularly in the bedrooms.

Preliminary investigations indicate the blaze began due to an electrical short circuit from the charging car. It rapidly extended to the house's wiring system and a sports motorcycle inside, before the LPG gas cylinders detonated.

Electric car catches fire while charging overnight outside the house. *Photo: Cartoq*

The vehicle involved was charging overnight using a home charging system, a practice common among electric vehicle owners in India, according to Cartoq. Overnight home charging, especially when using regular household outlets or uncertified third-party cables, carries significant risks if the house's electrical wiring is old, outlets are overloaded, or the charger lacks proper thermal protection.

This accident raises safety concerns regarding electric vehicle charging, especially as India, like many other nations globally, is increasingly adopting electric vehicles. A state government representative stated that efforts would be made to prevent similar incidents and raise awareness on this issue.

Investigators are still gathering information from the scene to identify the vehicle's specific details and determine whether the fault lies with the car's charging system, the charging cable, the power outlet, or the house's electrical wiring.

My Anh