A tragic late-night fire at the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) building in Madurai on Wednesday resulted in the death of a senior woman officer and left a male colleague seriously injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the city's commercial heart.
Fire Engulfs Second Floor, Swift Response Initiated
The Madurai Fire and Rescue Services received a critical alert at 8.46 pm on Wednesday night. Responding immediately, they dispatched four fire tenders to the location on Mela Veeli Veethi. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a severe blaze that had fully engulfed the building's second floor. Thick, black smoke was pouring out of the windows, complicating rescue efforts.
It took nearly three hours of intense firefighting before the teams could bring the raging fire under control. Once it was safe to enter, personnel moved in around 10.30 pm to search for casualties.
Victims Identified, One Succumbs to Burns
Inside the smoke-damaged structure, rescue workers made a grim discovery in one of the cabins. They recovered the charred body of A Kalyani Nambi, 54, who served as a senior manager at LIC. In another part of the building, they found and rescued an injured man.
The injured victim was identified as D Ram, 44, an administrative officer at LIC. He had sustained severe burns and was rushed for emergency medical care. Ram is currently undergoing treatment for 28% burns at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.
Investigation Launched, Officials Visit Site
The Thilagar Thidal police have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary inquiries suggest the fire originated inside Kalyani Nambi's cabin, though the exact cause—whether electrical short circuit or other reason—remains undetermined at this stage. Forensic experts are expected to examine the scene thoroughly.
Following the tragedy, Information Technology and Digital Services Minister P T R Palanivel Thiagarajan and District Collector K J Praveen Kumar visited the fire-ravaged building on Thursday. They reviewed the damage firsthand and assessed the situation, promising a comprehensive probe.
The incident has raised serious questions about fire safety compliance in commercial buildings in the city. The loss of a senior official like Kalyani Nambi has left the LIC staff and the local community in mourning.
