Midnight Fridge Blast Kills 4 Women in Belagavi as Festival Lights Trigger Fatal Blaze

A horrific refrigerator explosion triggered by a suspected electrical short circuit killed four women of a single family and left two men fighting for their lives in Belagavi, Karnataka, early Tuesday morning.

The blast occurred around 2:15 am inside a residential home in Chavat Galli, under the jurisdiction of the Market Police Station. Victims Bharti Dhamone (50), Sharda Dhamone (45), Ganga Dhamone (25), and Priya Dhamone (24) were trapped inside as flames swept through the house, killing all four instantly.

Sudden Blast Tears Through Residential Home

Neighbours rushed to the street after a deafening explosion shook the quiet locality. Local residents managed to pull 65-year-old Gajanan Dhamone and his 21-year-old son Roshan from the burning building before the structure was entirely engulfed.

Both men suffered approximately 60 per cent burn injuries and remain in critical condition at a nearby hospital. The sheer force of the explosion blew off the home's roof and gutted the interior, reducing the family's belongings to ash within minutes.

Festive Lighting Setup Under Scanner

Preliminary police investigations suggest the incident stemmed from a severe short circuit linked to decorative lighting. The Dhamone family, who earned their livelihood through carpentry and local odd jobs, had recently brought home a Ganesha idol and installed electric light strings in preparation for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.

The refrigerator, positioned adjacent to the family's sleeping quarters, exploded after catching fire from the electrical overload.

Market Police Station officials have registered a case and sealed the site. Forensic experts and electrical inspectors are currently sifting through the charred debris to confirm the exact technical failure that caused the appliance to detonate.