Tragic Fire in Chennai Home Claims Toddler's Life
A heartbreaking incident in Chennai has left a family shattered after a fire broke out in their home in Kattankulathur on Sunday night. The blaze resulted in the death of a two-year-old boy and left his father with severe, life-threatening injuries.
Details of the Kattankulathur Incident
The victims have been identified as 32-year-old Bharathi and his son, two-year-old Thirukumaran. The family, which includes Bharathi's wife Oviya and their eight-month-old daughter, resided at the affected house. According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded when Bharathi attempted to boil milk for his young son around night time.
As he switched on and lit the gas stove, a sudden fire erupted in the kitchen. The flames spread rapidly to adjacent rooms, engulfing parts of the home in a short time. Oviya was not present during the incident, having left earlier to attend a family function, leaving the children in their father's care.
Rescue Efforts and Hospitalisation
Alert neighbours rushed to the scene upon noticing the fire and attempted to help. Firefighters from a nearby station were promptly called and managed to bring the blaze under control. Both Bharathi and Thirukumaran were rescued from the burning house and rushed to a government hospital for emergency treatment.
Medical examinations revealed a grim prognosis: both father and son had sustained approximately 70% burns. Despite all medical efforts, the younger child, Thirukumaran, succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning. His father, Bharathi, remains in critical condition and is undergoing intensive treatment.
Investigation Points to Suspected Gas Leak
Preliminary investigations by the police point towards a suspected gas leak as the likely cause of the catastrophic fire. Authorities believe that leaked LPG accumulated in the kitchen and ignited the moment the stove was lit, causing an immediate explosion and fire. A thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the exact sequence of events and confirm the cause.
This tragic event in Chennai's Kattankulathur area highlights the ever-present dangers of household gas cylinders and underscores the critical importance of regular safety checks. It serves as a somber reminder for all residents to ensure their gas connections and appliances are properly maintained to prevent such devastating accidents.
