Tamil Nadu: Two inmates of women's hostel killed in refrigerator blast

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Madurai on Thursday, authorities reported. According to Madurai District Collector M S Sangeetha, the explosion caused smoke and a fire, leading to the deaths of two women, identified as Parimala and Saranya. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a hospital. The incident took place early in the morning while the residents were asleep, and the two women were pronounced dead upon arrival at a government hospital.

Information Technology Minister P Thiaga Rajan expressed his condolences over the deaths and assured that all necessary assistance, including alternative accommodation, is being provided to the affected hostel residents. During his visit, the minister interacted with the displaced inmates and checked on the injured women receiving treatment at a private hospital.

Madurai District Collector M S Sangeetha confirmed that an inquiry is underway regarding claims that the hostel was unlicensed and that the building was old. She acknowledged that civic authorities had reportedly issued a demolition notice to the owner last year. Documents are currently being verified, and the hostel owner is under questioning. Authorities have been instructed to inspect hostels throughout the district to ensure safety standards are met.

Inputs from PTI