CHENNAI: Two women including a teacher of a government school died of suffocation after thick smoke emanated following a refrigerator burst in a working women's hostel at Kattrapalayam, located in the heart of Madurai city.
It occurred at around 5.30 am when inmates were asleep. In a swift response to fire call, TNFRS personnel rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire.
Collector MS Sangeetha, Corporation authorities and Commissioner of Police. J Loganathan inspected the spot and held inquiries. The cause of the fire accident is yet to be ascertained.
The Commissioner said three others suffered injuries and were admitted to a hospital.
After enquiring, the Commissioner said all 23 inmates were evacuated from the hostel.
Sources said the Corporation authorities issued notice to the building owner in October last year instructing to demolish as the building's on the verge of collapse.
Moreover, the owner was told to demolish the hostel building within seven days.