Five people suffered burns after one of them had negligently left the LPG cylinder valve open and later tried to light a fire. The condition of a 60-year-old person and a 10-month-old baby is said to be critical. According to Mahalaxmi Layout police, Kumari Ayesha (16) went into the kitchen to heat water. She had switched on the valve and came out to talk to others. After about 15 minutes, she went back to the kitchen and lit the stove. But, by then, the gas had spread in the house and as soon as she lit the stove, everyone in the house sustained burns.
The incident occurred around 11 pm on Thursday. Hearing the screams of the family, neighbours rushed in and doused the fire. Later, the fire and emergency services arrived and took preventive measures.
All the five injured are of the same family. They have been identified as Fatima Bibi (60), Kumari Ayesha (16), Sikandar (19), Imtiaz (22) and 10-month-old Pervez. The family was rushed to Victoria Hospital. According to the doctors, the condition of Fatima Bibi, who suffered 32 per cent burns in the face, arms, abdomen and chest, is critical. “For any elderly person, any burn injury above 20 per cent is dangerous as the chances of infection are higher”, the medical officer said. Besides, Pervez is also critical as even though he has suffered only 17 per cent burns, the doctor said.
Ayesha sustained 46 per cent burn injuries, affecting her face, abdomen, upper arms, thighs and lower limbs, but her condition is stable. Sikandar and Imitiaz also have suffered burns, but are out of danger.