A father who lost his family in a tragic house fire has urged people to be careful with fireworks ahead of New Year’s Eve.
Aroen Kishen’s wife Seema Ratra and their three children Riyan, Shanaya and Arohi were found dead in their fire-ravaged west London home.
Mr Kishen was seen shouting “My children, my children” by neighbors when they discovered they were still trapped in the burning terrace house in Hounslow at around 10.30pm on November 12.
Two other adults, Nitin Chopra and Sandhya Chopra, whom the family had invited from the local Sikh temple, were also found dead inside hours later.
Mr. Kishen was hospitalized with severe burn injuries to his arms and face after he tried to re-enter the house to save his family.
Recalling the tragedy, she said she woke up to find that she and her daughter were asleep and the recycling bin was on fire.
Told Independent: “My family and visitors were all in the upstairs bedroom. All five are in the same room. I was trying to shout their names but no one was answering me. I was yelling at them to get out.
“I did my best to reach them; The first time I burned my arm, the second time I burned my face. I didn’t have any protective equipment.
“I went up, grabbed one hand to get them down, but I fell to the ground and we separated. There was so much smoke I couldn’t see anything.
“I woke up again and went out to wake up my neighbors and ask for help.
“I tried to get into the house, but I burned my face.”
He added: “I didn’t see exactly where the fireworks were coming from. When I went out I saw that my recycling bin was on fire. I don’t know how it started.
“All this happened because of fireworks exploding, they are very dangerous.
“All I want right now is for no one to lose their family. “They are very dangerous for children and the whole country.”
The family, who have links to India and Afghanistan, moved to west London from Brussels, Belgium, in July last year. Mr Kishen said he now lives in Southall with his sister, who is trying to look after him.
He said about his children: “I miss them every day. I can still see them all when I go shopping in Tesco. I can’t go anymore.”
He added: “Don’t waste your life for a minute of happiness, avoid fireworks. Don’t let the fireworks go off this New Year; protect yourself and your family.
The grieving father supported a petition by another family member, Jai Chopra, calling for a ban on fireworks on Diwali.
He wrote: “We know traditions are important, but we need to adapt them for our safety and for future generations.
“We urge authorities to ban the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations to prevent more tragedies like ours from happening.”
It is believed that police did not treat the fire as arson. Fireworks are being investigated as a possible cause of the fatal fire.
The inquest into the deaths will begin at West London Coroner’s Court on Thursday, January 4.
London Fire Brigade’s advice on fireworks safety this New Year
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Fireworks should only be used in public places as part of an organized event by licensed professionals.
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Fireworks should be performed in a wide, clean and well-mowed area, clear of obstructions and well away from hazards such as buildings, trees and overhead cables.
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In addition to the danger of explosion, fireworks can also pose a serious fire risk. Fireworks can also damage property and cause serious harm to people and animals.
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Under the Fireworks Regulations Act 2004, it is illegal to discharge or set off fireworks on the street or in a public place.
Neighbors reported that the fire engulfed the neighborhood in smoke, sparking a massive fireworks display during busy Diwali celebrations.
Sayed Arfeem said: “There were so many fireworks in our windows that night that it was the loudest sound we had heard in 22 years.
“Then there were police and fire brigades everywhere and ambulances started arriving.
“It’s so sad. I can’t believe it. How did it happen so quickly?”
Another neighbor broke down in tears and said: “I saw the blue lights flashing.
“I went out with my daughter. It was so foggy and smoky you couldn’t see how bad the fire was.
“There were so many fireworks that we thought one might have exploded or hit a tree.
“We could see the fire behind the trees. “It was a big celebration for Diwali and it turned tragic.”
London Fire Brigade commissioner Andy Roe offered his sincere condolences to Mr Kishen following the tragic deaths.
He said: “This is a very sad incident and from all of us at London Fire Brigade our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone affected at this difficult time.
“The welfare of our staff is of the utmost importance and all involved will be offered support from our counseling and trauma service.”