Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Jul 6: We have heard people using fire and water to end their lives. However, a woman from the taluk, who was about to be roasted alive, saved herself by using her presence of mind and jumping into a well. The incident occurred at Beeramangala in the taluk on Sunday July 5.

Usha, wife of Balakrishna Naik from Beeramangala had visited the house of Cynthia Goveas for working there as maid. She got a small quantity of petrol from a bush cutting machine belonging to the owner, and poured into the hearth for drying the wet areca nut, when fire suddenly leaped out of the hearth. Her clothes caught fire, and she was engulfed in flames.

Usha shouted for help. After realizing that no one was within the earshot, she jumped into a nearby well. She held tight to a root that had extended into the well, and again let out loud shouts for help. A local named David Dheer Crasta, general secretary of Beeramangala unit of Nagarika Horata Samiti, and his mother, who were passing nearby, heard the shouts and came running to the well.

David then sought help from his friend, Kushalappa Menala, over phone. After Kushalappa came there, a wooden piece was tied to a rope, which was then lowered into the well. The woman was asked to sit on the wooden piece. Both Crasta and Kushalappa then lifted the woman out of the well.

Usha, who has suffered burn wounds, was treated at a private hospital where she has been admitted into. She is recovering fast, it is gathered.