SRINAGAR: A couple and their four-year-old daughter were charred to death after a fire gutted their residence in Khanyar area of old Srinagar on Friday night. Their eight-year-old daughter managed to evacuate the house on time and is the sole survivor of the tragedy.

Khanyar SHO Parvaiz Ahmad said the fire broke in the house in Sheeshgari Mohalla due to a suspected short circuit, completely burning down the structure. An investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the blaze.

The deceased were identified as Javid Ahmad Hakak (40), his wife Sobiya (28) and their younger daughter Hafsa (4). The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh for the couple’s elder daughter, Soheda , who managed to escape the mishap. The administration will also sponsor her education and other expenses.

