63-year-old charred to death in hut

Police said that the couple, Semanathan and wife Yasoda (63), the victim, were both living in a hut on the outskirts of Desur near Vandavasi. The couple lived alone as their two sons and two daughters were married and settled in Chennai and Puducherry respectively.

On Monday morning, Semanathan went out for tea after informing his wife that he would return shortly. Suddenly, the thatched roof of their house caught fire reportedly after an electrical leak. Yasoda got stuck inside and on hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the house.

However, the situation went out of control as the gas cylinder in their house too burst unable to withstand the heat caused by the flames. Soon, fire engulfed the whole hut and Yasoda was charred to death on the spot.

On information from neighbours and locals, fire service personnel from Vandavasi town rushed to the spot and put out the blaze. Desur police registered a case and sent the victim’s body to the Vandavasi Government Hospital for post-mortem. Investigations are on into the fire accident.