Kottayam ∙ A housewife died following her house caught fire in Manimala. Selvarajan’s wife Rajam (70) died in Paravila. Son Veenish (30), who jumped from the upper floor to escape, and Selvarajan (76), who was on the lower floor, were admitted to the Medical College Hospital with injuries. The accident happened at 12.30 pm. Vineesh’s wife and 2 children who were upstairs survived. The house where the accident happened is behind the Holy Magi Forona church.
Kanjirapalli fire rescue team arrived but the vehicle did not reach near the house, so the officials reached the house following walking for a kilometer. At this time, the locals fetched water from the well and carried out the rescue operation. The rescue operation was also delayed due to the burning of the well’s motor. The ground floor was completely destroyed. The whole house was full of smoke.
Attempts to enter the house failed at first due to the iron windows. Meanwhile, Vinesh jumped down from the upper floor following rescuing his wife and children. Selvarajan and Raja, who were on the ground floor, were brought out by the help of the locals and the fire brigade. Raja’s condition was aggravated by inhaling poisonous smoke. He was taken to the hospital but might not be saved. Manimala police reached the spot. Fire rescue officials said that the extent of the accident has increased as there is no way to reach the vehicle.
English Summary: House caught fire in Manimala; tragic death for housewife
