Fire from Short Circuit Burns Down Homes of 15 Farming Families in Derai, Sunamganj; Losses Estimated at Tk 1 Crore

A fire caused by a short circuit in a rural electricity line in Derai upazila of Sunamganj has burned down the homes of 15 farmers. Along with the houses, paddy and rice, fertiliser, pesticides, seed paddy, furniture, cash and gold ornaments were burned. Initial estimates put the damage at around Tk 1 crore.

The fire broke out at around 8 p.m. on Monday (November 2) at Jarlia village in Sarmangal union of the upazila.

Local residents allege that the fire started from a short circuit at the main rural electricity pole in the village. The fire first caught one dwelling house. It then spread to the neighbouring houses. Within moments, the homes and household goods of 15 farming families were burned.

Local residents further allege that the accident happened because the main line of the Derai Palli Bidyut office was not properly maintained.

Villagers brought the fire under control before Derai Fire Service personnel reached the spot, about half an hour after the fire broke out.

Officer-in-Charge of Derai police station Aminul Haq said the fire originated from a short circuit in the rural electricity line. Local people brought the fire under control. The extent of the damage could not be known immediately. All 15 affected families are farmers.