Fire in women’s hostel in Madurai claims lives of two teachers
Two teachers, Parimala Soundari (50) and Saranya, died from asphyxiation in a fire caused by a refrigerator blast at Visaka Women’s Hostel near Periyar Bus Stand early Thursday morning.The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. after the compressor of a mini refrigerator exploded, filling the two-storey building with thick smoke.
Image credit:- thehindu
In a tragic incident early Thursday morning, September 12, 2024, two teachers lost their lives due to asphyxiation in a fire at a private women’s hostel near Periyar Bus Stand in Madurai city. The deceased have been identified as Parimala Soundari, 50, a teacher at the Government Middle School in Sholavandan, and Saranya, who taught at a private catering institute.
The fire was triggered by the explosion of a mini refrigerator's compressor inside Visaka Women’s Hostel at approximately 4:30 a.m. The blast startled the residents, leading to chaos as thick black smoke rapidly filled the two-storey building. Many women attempted to escape through a narrow staircase, while others were trapped in the smoke-laden rooms.
Fire and rescue personnel from the Madurai Fire Station responded promptly, extinguishing the flames and rescuing several women from the first and second floors. Unfortunately, the rescuers found Parimala and Saranya unconscious, and they were later pronounced dead at a private hospital. The hostel warden, J. Pushpa, sustained burn injuries, while two other residents were treated for breathlessness.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic, with some residents finding refuge on the terrace before being rescued. The fire consumed wooden partitions, furniture, and personal belongings, leaving the hostel in ruins.
Authorities have indicated that the building had previously been issued a demolition notice due to its dilapidated condition, but the owner had secured a stay order against the action. The owner, S. Dhinkaran, stated that the premises were initially rented out for a hospital but had been converted into a hostel without proper authorization.
The Tideer Nagar police are investigating the incident, with officials from the Madurai Corporation and the Revenue Divisional Office inspecting the site. This incident has raised serious concerns about building safety regulations and the living conditions in such facilities.
