A tragic fire incident in Trichy has claimed the life of a 60-year-old visually impaired and bedridden man. The fatal accident occurred at his residence near Srirangam, with preliminary investigations pointing to a lit beedi as the cause of the blaze.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The deceased has been identified as G Panneerselvam, a resident of Bharatiyar Street in Thiruvanaikaval, near Srirangam. According to police reports, the incident took place on Friday. Panneerselvam, who was under the care of his wife Vasantha, was alone at home when the tragedy struck.
Investigators stated that it appears Panneerselvam lit a beedi while on his bed. The act inadvertently set the bedding material on fire, which quickly escalated. The flames left the elderly man with severe burn injuries before the fire was contained.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Alerted by concerned neighbours, Panneerselvam's wife rushed back to their home. He was initially rushed to Srirangam Government Hospital (GH) for urgent medical attention. Given the critical nature of his injuries, he was later shifted to the Trichy Government Hospital for advanced treatment.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, G Panneerselvam succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Saturday. Following his death, a standard autopsy procedure was conducted. Subsequently, his body was handed over to his grieving family members.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Based on a formal complaint lodged by Panneerselvam's daughter, Preethi, the Srirangam police have initiated legal proceedings. A case was officially registered on Saturday under a specific section of the new criminal code.
The police are investigating the matter under Section 194 (unnatural death) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The investigation aims to ascertain the precise sequence of events leading to this unfortunate death.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the extreme dangers faced by vulnerable individuals, especially those with limited mobility, in everyday situations. It serves as a somber reminder of the need for constant vigilance and support systems for the elderly and differently-abled living alone or with minimal supervision.
