Nagpur: A heart-wrenching accident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at the Wathoda crematorium when a sudden burst of flames, triggered by diesel used to ignite the pyre, engulfed six people. One person later succumbed to his injuries, while two others remain in critical condition.
The incident occurred during the last rites of Sushilabai Haribhau Munghate (83), a resident of Wathoda. As family members prepared the pyre and the atmosphere remained somber, tragedy struck within seconds.
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21 Oct 2025
As relatives poured diesel on the pyre to ignite it, a powerful flare erupted unexpectedly. The flames shot up like a fiery wave and leapt directly onto family members standing close by. In moments, the clothes of six individuals caught fire, trapping them in intense flames.
The victims who sustained serious burn injuries include:
• Vinod Pundalikrao Munghate (64)
• Ashok Munghate
• Sopan Gaikwad
• Dnyaneshwar Gaikwad
• Vitthal Bhasarkar
• One more individual
Locals rushed to help, using mud and water to douse the flames. The crematorium was soon filled with screams, chaos, and panic.
All injured persons were immediately shifted to Government Medical College and private hospitals. However, Vinod Munghate (64), who had sustained severe burns, died around midnight during treatment.
Two of the injured have been discharged after receiving medical care, while two others remain in critical condition.
Wathoda Police have registered a case of accidental death and initiated an inquiry. Initial findings indicate that the diesel used to ignite the pyre was the primary trigger for the sudden blaze. Officers are also examining whether safety norms were followed at the crematorium.
Following the tragic incident, local residents have urged authorities to tighten fire-safety rules at crematoriums and regulate the use of flammable substances. Citizens stressed that adopting safer ignition methods could prevent such deadly accidents in the future
