Tragic Fire Claims Life of Disabled Woman at Kanpur Brick Kiln
A devastating fire incident at a brick kiln in Kanpur has resulted in the tragic death of a 70-year-old disabled woman. The unfortunate event occurred on Thursday night near the Oriyara intersection under the jurisdiction of the Bidhnu police station.
Victim Identified as Kalawati
The deceased has been identified as Kalawati, a woman who was unable to walk due to her disability. Her husband, Balram Chauhan (72), who works as an accountant at the brick kiln, was not present at the time of the incident. He had gone to the nearby Madhavbag market to purchase essential items when the tragedy unfolded.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, Kalawati was lying on a cot inside their room at the brick kiln premises. To combat the cold weather, a bonfire was burning in a metal basin nearby. Suddenly, the bedding on the cot caught fire, likely due to sparks from the bonfire. Kiln workers noticed smoke emanating from the room and immediately rushed to extinguish the flames.
Despite their efforts, by the time the fire was brought under control, Kalawati had already suffered severe burns. She succumbed to her injuries on the spot, leaving the local community in shock.
Background of the Couple
Balram Chauhan, originally from Bihar, has been employed as an accountant at the brick kiln for the past two years. He brought his wife to Kanpur approximately four months ago, and the couple had been residing in a room within the kiln premises. The incident highlights the precarious living conditions faced by many migrant workers in industrial settings.
Police Investigation Underway
Bidhnu police station in-charge Tej Bahadur Singh confirmed that the fire was caused by sparks from the nearby bonfire, which ignited the bedding. A thorough probe is currently ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances and determine if any negligence contributed to the fatal accident. Authorities are examining safety measures at the site to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the vulnerability of elderly and disabled individuals in hazardous environments, prompting calls for improved safety protocols in residential areas of industrial workplaces.
