Tragic Fire in Kallakurichi Village Claims Four Lives
In a devastating incident that unfolded in Nathamoor village, Kallakurichi district, a woman’s tragic suicide by setting herself ablaze has resulted in the loss of three more lives. The incident occurred when M Draviyam (42), who was allegedly suffering from mental illness due to stress, resorted to this extreme step during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. The flames quickly spread to her younger daughter, Vijayakumari (3), who was sleeping in the same room.
Upon realizing the dire situation, Draviyam’s elder daughter, M Riyashni (5), and her father, P Ponnurangan (78), rushed to their rescue. Tragically, they too succumbed to the fumes in their brave attempt. The smoke caught the attention of the villagers who promptly came together, using an earth mover to demolish the concrete walls in a desperate bid to rescue the trapped family members.
It is believed that Draviyam had previously expressed her intentions to end her life. Police officials investigating the incident revealed that the room where the tragedy occurred did not have any windows, causing the smoke to engulf the house and claim multiple lives. The impact of the fire also left Draviyam’s nephew, S Vivek (4), in critical condition. He is currently receiving intensive medical treatment.
The community is deeply saddened by this heart-wrenching event, as four lives have been lost due to this tragic suicide fire. Incidents like these serve as a grim reminder of the importance of mental health support and prompt intervention in our society. Authorities are urged to prioritize mental health services and create awareness to prevent such devastating outcomes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Assistance is available through Tamil Nadu’s health helpline at 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline at 044-24640050. Let us come together as a society to provide the support and compassion needed to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
