A 66-year-old woman, identified as Lakhi Shaw, died after sustaining severe burn injuries in a fire that broke out at her residence in Garden Reach during the early hours of Wednesday. Police suspect the fire was triggered by makeshift heating arrangements used to cope with cold weather conditions.
Fire breaks out while woman was asleep
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 2 am on January 21 while Shaw was sleeping alone in a tiled-roof room. Investigations revealed that she had been lighting egg cartons to keep warm after the family’s room heater reportedly stopped working.
Her son, who was sleeping in an adjacent room, noticed smoke and rushed to check on her. He found Shaw unconscious with extensive burn injuries as flames rapidly spread inside the room.
Rushed to hospital, declared dead
Family members and neighbours immediately shifted Shaw to SSKM Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Preliminary findings suggest that she may have died due to smoke inhalation and severe burns.
A fire department official said the flames spread quickly, leaving little time for the family to attempt a rescue. “Due to the rapid spread of the fire, the family claimed they could not save her in time,” the officer said.
Police, fire department investigations underway
Police said the fire is suspected to have originated from the burning egg cartons, which Shaw had reportedly been using for warmth over the past few days. Officials have confirmed that there were no signs of foul play.
Authorities are awaiting detailed reports from the fire department and forensic science laboratory (FSL) experts to determine the exact cause of the fire and the sequence of events leading to the woman’s death.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with unsafe heating practices, especially among elderly residents during colder months.