Diwali fires claim 23 lives across India, Madhya Pradesh reports highest toll

Millat Times Desk

09 November 2026 (Publish: 07:37 AM IST)

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Diwali celebrations turned tragic across several parts of India as fire incidents and firecracker-related accidents claimed 23 lives and left several others injured on Sunday night. Incidents were reported in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi and Odisha, involving residential buildings, commercial establishments and firecrackers.

Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths, with 13 people losing their lives in three separate incidents.

In Katni district’s Barhi town, six members of an Agarwal family, including two children and a two-month-old infant, died after a fire broke out in a three-storey building housing a crockery shop. In another incident in Seoni district’s Chhapara town, six members of the Soni family were killed when a fire engulfed their three-storey house early Monday morning. Four other family members were rescued.

A separate fire incident in Ujjain also claimed the life of a 107-year-old man, identified as Mohanlal, in the Nagjhiri area.

In Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district, six members of the Karande family died after a fire broke out in their house above a grocery shop in Yedshi village. The victims were identified as Uttam Tryambak Karande, Chandrakala Karande, Govind Karande, Jyoti Karande, Gayatri Karande and Siddhi Karande.

In Rajasthan’s Pali district, two people died after a fire broke out at a firecracker shop in Falna town. One other person was injured.

In Delhi’s Narela area, a 10-year-old boy died after a firecracker struck him while he was celebrating Diwali outside his home.

Meanwhile, in Odisha’s Cuttack district, a seven-year-old boy died after a fire broke out at a house in the Dargah Bazar area. An elderly person was also seriously injured.

The incidents have raised concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness during festival celebrations. Investigations are underway to establish the causes of the fires.