Bhopal: An 88-year-old retired Army officer died after suffering severe burn injuries in a fire allegedly triggered by an explosion in the battery of a medical air mattress at his house in Eintkhedi area, police said on Thursday. The elderly man was bedridden due to illness and had developed bedsores, following which an electric air mattress had been placed on his bed.
Eintkhedi police registered a case and started investigations into the incident. According to police, the deceased, Gladwin Sahay, 88, was a resident of Agariya village in Eintkhedi area. He lived with his wife Manjusha and son. His son’s family stayed in Bhopal. His daughter, a professor, lives in Germany with her family.
Gladwin’s son-in-law, Noel Starkey, who works in the transport department in Jabalpur, said that the family have two houses in the village located in front of each other. On Tuesday night, Gladwin was sleeping alone in the old house, while his wife and son were in the new house located a few feet away on the opposite side.
At around 4:30 am, the battery of the air mattress on which Gladwin was sleeping allegedly exploded, triggering a fire in the bed. Hearing his screams, family members rushed to the room and somehow managed to douse the flames. Gladwin sustained severe burn injuries on his back, sides below the chest, and hands. He was rushed to a private hospital in the Bhanpur area, where he died during treatment later in the afternoon.
After receiving information, Eintkhedi police reached the spot and initiated investigations. Police said the post-mortem examination would be conducted on Friday after the arrival of the deceased’s daughter from Germany.
Incident Details
The tragic incident highlights the potential dangers of medical equipment, especially when used by bedridden patients. The family reported that the air mattress was relatively new and had been purchased to prevent bedsores. The exact cause of the battery explosion is yet to be determined, and police are examining the remnants of the mattress.
Family Statement
Noel Starkey, the son-in-law, expressed shock and grief over the sudden loss. He stated that Gladwin was a healthy man before his illness and had served in the Indian Army for over two decades. The family is awaiting the arrival of Gladwin’s daughter from Germany for the last rites.
Police have urged the public to exercise caution while using electronic medical devices and to ensure they are certified by proper authorities. Investigations are ongoing to determine if there was any manufacturing defect or negligence involved.
