'There's nobody left in my home' - Dad's heartbroken warning after wife and kids killed by fire
A grieving father is urging Londoners to celebrate Diwali safely this year after losing his wife, three children and two guests in a devastating fire caused by a stray firework.
A father who lost six family members in a tragic house fire on Diwali last year has issued an emotional plea to Londoners to take extra care during this year’s fireworks season.
Aroen Kishen, from Hounslow, lost his wife Seema, their three children Riyan, Arohi, and Shanaya, and two family friends, Nitin and Sandhaya, when a blaze tore through their home on November 12, 2023.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) believes the fire started when a stray firework ignited combustible waste in a plastic recycling bin next to the house. An inquest earlier this year ruled the incident a “tragic accident” that occurred after the family had spent the day celebrating the beginning of Diwali.
“It destroyed my life”
Recalling the night of the fire, Mr Kishen said the day had begun like any other family celebration.
“In the afternoon, we prayed at home together, then we went to the gurdwara in Southall and visited some family nearby. We all had dinner together and put the children to bed ready for school the next day,” he said.
Moments later, tragedy struck.
“Shortly after that, I saw the fire. I tried to go upstairs to help my family, but I lost consciousness. When I woke up, the whole house was on fire. That night, I lost my wife, our three children, and two family friends. I wish they were still alive because what happened that night destroyed my life.”
He added a stark warning for anyone planning private firework displays this year.
“Fireworks aren’t a game and it’s not a movie; it’s real life. Listen to my story and celebrate with your family, at a party or at your place of worship. If you use fireworks, you could lose everything.”
The fire broke out at 10:26pm on Diwali night, with the first fire engine arriving within five minutes to find the property already engulfed in flames. Around 70 firefighters tackled the blaze as it spread through the ground and first floors and into the roof.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Paul Askew of the London Fire Brigade said: “On behalf of the Brigade, I’d like to express my condolences to Mr Kishen and all those affected by this terrible tragedy. On what was meant to be a night of celebration, a tragic accident occurred.
“This incident highlights the dangers that fireworks can pose. We’re urging Londoners to attend organised displays where possible, or if hosting their own, to follow the Fireworks Code — buy from licensed sellers, never relight used fireworks, and keep them away from homes, trees and people.”
The Brigade said Diwali 2023 was its busiest since 2010, with 710 emergency calls in 24 hours and 17 firework-related incidents across London.
In the months following the tragedy, the Brigade and local partners worked closely with Hounslow’s communities, attending faith meetings and supporting recovery efforts.
This year, fire safety officers have launched translated guidance and community engagement events in Newham, Ilford, Harrow and Hounslow to help prevent similar incidents.
As Londoners prepare for Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night, Mr Kishen’s message is one of remembrance — and warning.
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I’ve been through,” he said. “Please think about your neighbours, your family, your children. Celebrate safely.”