A day of profound tragedy struck two families in the Thiruvananthapuram district this weekend, with separate incidents claiming the lives of a woman and a young boy under heartbreaking circumstances.
Woman Succumbs to Freak Industrial Accident
In a devastating industrial accident on Saturday, a 51-year-old woman lost her life at a printing press where she was employed. The deceased has been identified as Meena, a resident of Cherukunnam in Varkala.
According to police reports, the fatal incident occurred when Meena's saree became entangled in the moving parts of a printing machine. This caused her to lose balance and fall, resulting in a severe head injury. Despite immediate efforts by her colleagues, who rushed her to a nearby hospital, her injuries proved fatal and she could not be saved.
Young Boy Dies After Snake Bite at Home
In an unrelated but equally tragic event, a young student died after being bitten by a snake on Friday evening. The victim was Adinath, an 8-year-old Class III student and the only son of Ambu Viswanath and Athidi Sathyan from Janardhanapuram in Varkala.
The incident took place around 6:45 pm on Friday. Preliminary information from the police indicates that the child accidentally stepped on a snake that was lying on the front steps of his house and was bitten in the process.
In a desperate bid to save his life, Adinath was first taken to the Parippally Medical College. He was later shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite all medical efforts, the young boy passed away around 11 pm on the same day. Adinath was a student at the Janardhanapuram Govt MVLP School.
A Community in Mourning
These back-to-back incidents have cast a pall of grief over the local community in Varkala. The death of Meena highlights the ever-present risks in industrial workplaces and underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols, especially concerning loose clothing around machinery.
The loss of young Adinath is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife, even in residential areas, particularly during certain seasons. It raises concerns about public health preparedness and immediate access to anti-venom treatments in remote locations.
Local authorities are investigating both incidents. The police have registered cases and are conducting inquiries to determine the exact sequence of events leading to these unfortunate deaths. The community is now rallying to support the bereaved families in their time of immense sorrow.
