A devastating fire incident in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh claimed the lives of six people, including five children, on Monday evening. The blaze erupted in a residential building where the ground floor was being used as a garment warehouse, while the family resided on the upper floor.

At the time of the incident, a resident named Iqbal and his brother had stepped out for evening prayers, leaving two women and five children inside the house. The fire quickly spread, trapping them indoors. Neighbours noticed thick smoke and flames and immediately alerted the police and fire services.

Firefighters faced difficulties reaching the spot due to narrow lanes, which delayed rescue efforts. The victims were eventually pulled out and rushed to hospital with severe burn injuries. Despite medical treatment, five children and one woman succumbed to their injuries, including some who were referred to Meerut Medical College.

Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, and an investigation is currently underway to establish what triggered the deadly blaze.