A family escapes unharmed after a cottage catches fire near Walajah

A family of three escaped unhurt after a fire broke out in the hut they were living in at Narasingapuram village near Walajah town in Ranipet on Sunday.

Police said bricklayer K. Nagaraj (30) had been living with his wife N. Bhavani (28) and three-year-old daughter in a cottage in the village for many years.

Initial investigation revealed that it was around 2:00 pm when the family was sitting outside their house, Nagaraj noticed thick smoke coming from the house. He immediately tried to extinguish the fire together with neighbors and other residents, but the fire spread to the entire cottage.

Based on the alarm, a six-member fire brigade team from Ranipet city rushed to the spot. By the time firefighters got to the scene, the fire had spread to the entire house. After almost an hour of hard work, the firemen doused him. The cottage was gutted.

A case has been registered by the Walajah police. Police said the incident may have been caused by an electrical short circuit from the main electrical panel inside the house. A probe is underway.

Published – 12 July 2026 23:00 IST