CHENNAI: A two-year-old boy died while his father is battling for life in the hospital with severe burn injuries after a tragic fire accident near Maraimalai Nagar on Sunday.
The incident took place at Kattankulathur near Maraimalai Nagar. Bharathi (32), a staff member at a private company, lives with his wife Oviya, their two-year-old son Thirukumaran, and an eight-month-old daughter.
Due to health issues, Bharathi's wife had recently gone to her mother's house along with the infant for medical treatment. Bharathi and his two-year-old son were alone at home when the incident happened.
On Sunday morning, Bharathi was boiling milk to feed his son. He had poured the milk into a cooker and switched on the gas stove. At that moment, a gas leak triggered a sudden fire in the LPG cylinder, causing it to catch fire. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the house within moments.
In a desperate attempt to save his child, Bharathi picked up his son and ran out of the burning house, screaming for help. Neighbours rushed to the spot and alerted emergency services.
Both were rushed by an 108 ambulance to the Chengalpattu Government Hospital. The child, who had suffered around 80 per cent burn injuries, was later referred to the Government Children's Hospital in Egmore for advanced treatment. Bharathi, who sustained about 60 per cent burns, was admitted to the ICU.
Despite intensive medical care, two-year-old Thirukumaran succumbed to his injuries early Monday morning. Bharathi remains in critical condition and is under close medical observation.
Maraimalai Nagar police have registered a case, and further investigation is on.