A man, whose wife and three children tragically died in a house fire suspected to have been caused by a firework, has shared how the event “shattered my life”, cautioning others that “using fireworks could result in losing everything”.
Aroen Kishen was observing Diwali with his spouse Seema, and their kids Riyan, Arohi, and Shanaya, alongside friends at their Hounslow residence in November 2023.
Nearly two years later, leading up to Diwali on Monday, Mr. Kishen has recounted the night when his family home was engulfed in flames.
Mr. Kishen expressed, “On that night, I lost my wife Seema, our three children Riyan, Arohi, Shanaya, and two family friends, Nitin and Sandhaya (Chopra). I wish they were still alive because what happened that night shattered my life.”
According to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), the probable cause of the fire was a firework setting off flammable materials in a plastic recycling bin adjacent to the house. The source of the firework remains unidentified.
Earlier this year, a coroner’s report in the inquiry into their deaths concluded that the six individuals perished in a “tragic accident”, succumbing quickly to smoke inhalation, as per the LFB.
Recalling the events, Mr. Kishen stated, “Diwali in 2023 started as a typical day with my family. We prayed together at home, visited the gurdwara in Southall, and had dinner before putting the children to bed for school the next day.”
He added, “Shortly afterward, I noticed the fire. I attempted to reach my family upstairs but lost consciousness. Upon waking up, the entire house was ablaze.”
During the inquiry, it was revealed that Mr. Kishen bravely tried to contain the fire, sustaining burns before losing consciousness, allowing the fire to spread.
Firefighters arrived around 10:30 pm on November 12, 2023, managing to access the first floor briefly before being forced to retreat due to the intense flames. Despite their efforts, part of the internal staircase collapsed.
Approximately 70 firefighters fought the blaze that extended from the ground floor to the roof. Mr. Kishen urged people to consider those around them before using fireworks, cautioning that they should not be taken lightly.
He stressed, “I urge the public to think about those around them before using fireworks. It’s not a game or a movie—it’s real life. Hear my story and celebrate with your family, at an organized event, or at your place of worship. Misusing fireworks could lead to devastating consequences.”
The incident occurred during the LFB’s busiest Diwali since 2010. Control officers handled 710 emergency calls and addressed 17 firework-related incidents over a 24-hour period, as per the LFB.
Paul Askew, the brigade’s deputy assistant commissioner, extended condolences to Mr. Kishen and those impacted by the tragedy, emphasizing the dangers associated with fireworks. He recommended attending organized displays for a safer experience and highlighted safety measures for those planning private fireworks shows.
“As we approach Diwali, Halloween, and Bonfire Night, we wish everyone a safe fireworks season,” he concluded.