Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 28: The tragic gas explosion that occurred at a house in Khandige, Manjanady village, on December 8 has claimed another life. Fatimath Maizha (9), who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital, has passed away, raising the death toll to three. In the incident, the mother and three daughters had sustained severe burns and injuries.
The explosion occurred while the family was asleep, engulfing the entire house in flames. The victims, including the mother Kubra and her three daughters Zulekha Mahadiya, Mazhiya, and Fatimath Maizha, were rushed to a private hospital in Deralakatte. Kubra succumbed to her injuries on December 13, followed by her eldest daughter Zulekha Mahadiya on December 26. With Fatimath Maizha's passing, only one daughter, Mazhiya, has survived and been discharged after recovering from her injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident was caused by a gas leak from an additional LPG cylinder stored in the house. A case has been registered at Konaje police station against the gas agency.
A case has been registered as a suspicious death. So far, no FIR has been filed against any gas agency. The fire accident report (FAR) indicates it was an accidental fire mishap. The deputy commissioner has collected reports from all departments.
Speaker U T Khader visits affected family
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader visited the house affected by the explosion on Saturday. Speaking to the media, he expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the importance of humanity over politics during such difficult times.
"This incident in the Muthalib family is extremely heartbreaking. Responsibility lies with me, and I understand when compensation needs to be provided. Announcing compensation when lives are hanging by a thread isn’t appropriate. Money isn’t everything in such moments. In a civil society, certain ethical considerations must be upheld, and humanity shouldn’t be forgotten. Not everything is political," he said.
Khader added, "I will consult with elders in the community and the family members. Some people speaking about this incident haven’t even visited the hospital or the affected house. The matter has already been discussed with the chief minister. Discussions will also involve the gas company, police department, and fire brigade. Although I couldn’t visit earlier due to the assembly session, the primary focus is to save lives. With the cooperation of the local community, every effort will be made to support the family. All departments will stand by them in their time of need."
He further mentioned, "Skin grafts were arranged overnight from Belagavi, and discussions were held with Mumbai facilities for further assistance if required. Let us refrain from politicizing this tragedy."
The visit was attended by assistant commissioner Harshavardhan, ACP Dhanya M Nayak, HP Gas marketing division manager Rahul, tahsildar Puttaraju, former ZP member NS Kareem, Monu Kalkatta, KP Ashraf, Ashraf Katte, and Rafiq Kalkatta.