Fire in hostel, four women rescued from blaze

Sources said that a bed in the first floor of the hostel caught fire due to an electrical short circuit around 8.45 am at Sri Dhanshika Women’s Hostel in Choolaimedu.

The inmates of the room panicked and ran into the toilet to escape.

Hearing their cries, Mahesh, the owner of the hostel rushed to the first floor and rescued the women. While Mahesh sustained five percent injuries, two women suffered minor injuries. “Inmates Ayina and Sumithra suffered minor burns. Pavithra did not suffer any injury while Vidya developed seizure due to the smoke,” said a fireofficer.

Fire and rescue personnel from Virugambakkam, Egmore and Kilpauk stations rushed to the spot and put out the fire.

The three-storey building, in which the hostel was functioning, did not adhere to fire safety norms, added the officer.

The Choolaimedu police registered a case and are investigating.