Tragic House Fire Claims Life of Immobile Elderly Man in Bengaluru
In a heartbreaking incident, an 83-year-old man, identified as Mylarappa, was charred to death in a fire that engulfed his residence in Thimmarayappa Circle near Kengeri in west Bengaluru. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, leaving the local community in shock.
Victim's Health Condition and Living Situation
Mylarappa, who suffered from severe gangrene, was unable to walk and had recently undergone a medical procedure where doctors had to amputate his left leg due to the condition. He resided in a modest 10x5 square foot room within a small house located in a tenement. The elderly man lived with his grandson, a laborer, while adjacent houses in the same building were occupied by other family members, creating a close-knit living arrangement.
Timeline of the Fire Incident
The fire broke out around 2:15 AM on Thursday while Mylarappa was asleep in his room. Residents nearby first noticed smoke billowing from the room and immediately alerted the family. Ramya, Mylarappa's granddaughter, received a frantic call from a relative named Bhagyamma at approximately 2:20 AM, informing her of the blaze.
Ramya, who lived in the adjacent house with her husband Kumar, rushed outside upon hearing the news. Together with other family members from the tenement and helpful neighbors, they launched a desperate effort to extinguish the flames by pouring water using buckets.
Rescue Attempt and Discovery
In a valiant attempt to save Mylarappa, Kumar climbed onto the building, broke through the asphalt sheets on the roof, and entered the burning house. Tragically, he found Mylarappa already deceased, unable to escape due to his immobility from the gangrene. The fire was eventually doused, but the loss was irreversible.
Community and Police Response
Local police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire, though initial reports suggest it might have been accidental. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by elderly individuals with health issues, especially in densely populated urban areas like Bengaluru. Family members expressed deep sorrow, noting Mylarappa's long battle with gangrene and the sudden nature of the tragedy.
Key Details:
- Victim: Mylarappa, 83 years old
- Location: Thimmarayappa Circle, Kengeri, west Bengaluru
- Time: Early Thursday, around 2:15 AM
- Health Condition: Suffered from gangrene, left leg amputated
- Rescue Efforts: Family and neighbors used buckets of water; Kumar entered via roof
- Outcome: Mylarappa found dead at the scene
This tragic event underscores the importance of fire safety measures in residential areas, particularly for households with elderly or disabled members. Authorities are urging residents to ensure proper electrical wiring and accessible emergency exits to prevent such incidents in the future.
