Baripada, May 13: In an unfortunate incident, a woman and her two children were charred to death after a fire broke out in their house. The incident took place at Dhipasahi in Unchagaon under Jharpokharia police limits of Mayurbhanj district in the wee hours of Friday.

The deceased have been identified as Surukuni (24), the second wife of Mangal Marndi, their six-year-old daughter Sarita and three-month-old son Jagdish.

Reportedly, the fire broke out when they were fast asleep in their house at around 2am.

On getting information, the fire brigade rushed to the spot and doused the flames but was unable to save the three.

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, Jharpokharia police have detained Mangal for questioning.