Three children among five members of same family killed in house fire
Neighbours said the family’s father was heard wailing for his children after the tragic fire claimed five lives in Hounslow
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This is the first picture of a tragic family ripped apart by a house blaze during Diwali celebrations.
Three children, their mother Seema Ratra and another adult houseguest from the same family are all feared dead.
The father Aroen Kishen is believed to have escaped the home and was seen by neighbours screaming “my kids, my kids” after the fire.
He was later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One person, an adult from the same family, remains unaccounted for. It is understood the family moved to Channel Close, Hounslow recently from Belgium.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email barney.davis@independent.co.uk
Devastated cousins of the victims held back tears and were too traumatised to speak the morning after the deadly blaze.
Neighbours said the fireworks for Diwali celebrations were the loudest in decades when they kicked off at sunset on Sunday night on the cul-de-sac.
Others said they could see the flames flickering on the trees with the whole area shrouded in smoke “like a mist”.
Neighbour Sayed Arfeem, 80, said: “There was so much fireworks at our windows that night the loudest we have ever heard it in 22 years.
“It was so loud. Then the ambulances started coming. It is very sad. I can’t believe it. How there could be five deaths? How was it so quick?“
Felica Matei, 29, a jeweller said: “We saw the man who lived there with his wife and children. My daughter used to play with his daughter. He was screaming something like ‘my kids, my kids’. We are devastated.”
The fire service and police are on the scene as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue
At the scene, Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson said: “Despite the lifesaving efforts of all those attending, I’m very sorry to inform you all five people have lost their lives in this fire. Sadly, we believe that three of those that died are children.
“There is at least one other person, an adult, who remains unaccounted for.
“This is truly a terrible incident, the loss of so many lives will cause unimaginable distress to families, friends and communities of all those involved.
“I know that people across the country are shocked and saddened by this terrible event last night. Everyone will want to know why this tragedy occurred.
“We will be working tirelessly with our colleagues at the London Fire Brigade to find those answers. At this time we have an open mind as to the cause of the fire.
“I would ask people not to add to that uncertainty by speculating.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments