People warm up before a bonfire in Bokaro on Tuesday. Picture by Pankaj Singh

Bokaro, Jan. 4: The steel city went numb today with the minimum temperature dipping to a record low.

The minimum temperature read 5.6°C while the maximum temperature was 25.2°C in Bokaro. The public relations department of Bokaro steel confirmed that 5.6°C was the season’s lowest.

On the other hand, Bermo sub-division shivered at 4.7°C while the maximum temperature was 23°C.

In view of dipping temperatures, Bokaro deputy commissioner Amitabh Kaushal ordered arrangement of bonfires at all prominent places like Chas, Chandankyari, Bermo, Bokaro thermal, Petarwar, Chadrapura, Tenughat, Gomia and Kasmar.

Meanwhile, two unnatural deaths were reported from different parts of the city, triggering speculation that the extreme cold conditions may have taken a toll.

In the first incident, a 55-year-old daily labourer, who stayed alone at Ukrid Colony, was found dead.

Residents of the area reportedly told police that Mohammad Shamim Ansari was not well for the past two days and had complained of feeling extremely cold last evening. His neighbours had gone to his house to take him to a doctor, but by then, Shamim had already passed away.

In the other incident, an unidentified youth was found dead at Ispat Colony in Chas township. Local residents first spotted the body and informed the police. The body has been sent for post-mortem.