Chandigarh: A tragic fire at a food store in Texas, United States, claimed the lives of a 22-year-old youth from Haryana and the store owner from Punjab’s Mohali, officials said.
The victims have been identified as Sukhwinder Singh from Gangatheri village in Karnal district and Vikrant, the owner of the store and a resident of Mohali. According to local police in Texas, the fire spread rapidly, leaving the two men—who were asleep inside the store at the time—with no chance to escape.
By the time firefighters brought the blaze under control, both had died and the store was completely gutted. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Sukhwinder Singh, the only son of his family, had moved to the United States around four years ago through an illegal “donkey route,” for which his family reportedly spent nearly ₹50 lakh. After months of struggle, he managed to reach the US and began working at the Texas-based food store.
His father, Sheeshpal, a farmer, said he had sold a portion of his land to finance his son’s journey abroad. Despite initial hesitation, Sukhwinder was determined to go overseas in hopes of improving the family’s financial condition.
Vikrant, the store owner, was originally from Mohali and had obtained permanent residency in the United States. He is survived by his wife and two children. Both he and Sukhwinder reportedly used to sleep at the store after work.
The incident occurred on the morning of April 26 (India time), when the fire suddenly broke out while they were inside. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze made rescue efforts difficult.
Police have taken custody of the bodies and sent them for post-mortem. Another worker employed at the store was not present at the time of the incident.
News of the tragedy has plunged the victim’s village into mourning, with relatives and locals gathering to express their grief. Sukhwinder is survived by his parents and two sisters, one of whom is married.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by youths migrating abroad through illegal routes in search of better opportunities.
