Bengaluru Homemaker Dies in Rajajinagar Fire, Family Rescued
A devastating fire in Rajajinagar, north Bengaluru, claimed the life of a 55-year-old homemaker on Monday night, while her family members were successfully rescued by emergency personnel. The incident has highlighted the dangers of residential fires in urban areas.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The deceased, identified as Savitha N, was married to Ramesh Babu DR, a 59-year-old contractor based in the city. The family resided in a four-storey building, with the first and second floors rented out, and the upper two floors forming a duplex for their home. The ground floor was utilized for vehicle parking, a common setup in many Bengaluru residences.
According to preliminary investigations, the fire originated in the kitchen on the third floor between 9:30 PM and 9:50 PM. It rapidly spread across the upper portion of the house, fueled by strong winds that exacerbated the situation. Babu reported that he and his mother, Sannamma, were watching television on the lower floor, while their son, Vishruth DR, was in his bedroom on the upper floor.
Rescue Efforts and Fatal Outcome
Vishruth noticed the fire and immediately alerted his father, urging everyone to evacuate. However, Savitha, who was on the top floor, was unable to descend in time as the flames engulfed the entire floor. As thick smoke filled the duplex, she reportedly climbed to the terrace in an attempt to escape.
Fire and emergency services rushed to the scene upon receiving the alert. Thanks to their swift action, Babu, Sannamma, and Vishruth were rescued by 10:30 PM, and the flames were brought under control. Assistant Commissioner of Police Venugopal from the Malleswaram subdivision, along with his team, attempted to reach the third floor to save Savitha.
Unfortunately, toughened glass installed for lighting began breaking and falling, forcing the rescuers to wait until it shattered completely. They later found Savitha unconscious on the terrace, where she is believed to have succumbed to severe breathing difficulties and suffocation.
Investigation and Suspected Cause
All four individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Savitha was declared brought dead. The Subramanyanagar police suspect that the fire was caused by a short circuit in one of the rooms. Officials noted that Savitha might have survived if she had been able to climb down in time.
Before the fire personnel arrived, residents of the building switched off the main power supply to prevent further hazards. The Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) team visited the site to collect samples, and the electrical inspector has been instructed to inspect the premises and submit a detailed report.
This tragic event underscores the importance of fire safety measures in homes, especially in multi-storey buildings where escape routes can be compromised. The community in Rajajinagar is mourning the loss, while authorities continue their investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
