A tragic incident claimed the life of a 58-year-old man in Kantepudi village of Sattenapalli mandal in Palnadu district after a mosquito coil reportedly sparked a fatal fire late at night.
The deceased was identified as Nageswara Rao, a resident of Kantepudi. According to preliminary information from locals, the victim lit a mosquito coil before going to sleep, a common practice in the village due to heavy mosquito infestation, especially during the ongoing summer season.
Police said that while he was asleep, a spark from the burning coil is believed to have accidentally come into contact with the blanket covering him. The highly flammable material caught fire, and the flames spread rapidly, leaving the victim with no chance to escape. By the time neighbours noticed the incident, the fire already engulfed him, resulting in his death on the spot.
Upon receiving information, police personnel rushed to the village and inspected the scene. The body was later shifted to a nearby government hospital for postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. However, the incident has raised suspicions among some locals, who have questioned whether it was purely accidental. Authorities have taken note of these concerns and stated that all possible angles are being examined.
Investigation Underway
A case has been registered, and an investigation is currently underway. Police officials said they are awaiting the postmortem report and forensic findings to establish whether the fire was caused solely by the mosquito coil or if any other factors contributed to the tragic death. The authorities have assured that a thorough probe will be conducted to ascertain the truth behind the incident.
Safety Concerns Raised
The incident has once again highlighted the potential dangers associated with using mosquito coils, especially in close proximity to flammable materials like blankets and bedding. Residents in the area have been advised to exercise caution and follow safety measures while using such products to prevent similar tragedies.
