A simple mosquito coil turned deadly in Patna’s Karbigahiya area, resulting in the gruesome death of 65-year-old paralysis patient Malti Devi. The Friday evening mishap has sent ripples of sorrow through the neighborhood, highlighting the perils of physical immobility during emergencies.
Malti was dozing in the balcony when the coil ignited, sparking a ferocious fire that trapped her instantly. Her husband Baliram, 75 and also paralyzed, witnessed the horror unfold but could neither flee nor save her. His frantic calls for neighbors ended with him suffering burns while trying to intervene.
With the son Ravi Shankar away on errands with his wife and kids, the isolated couple faced the blaze alone initially. Panicked residents alerted authorities, but the fire’s intensity had already claimed Malti’s life. Baliram was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries.
Experts point to this as a stark reminder of fire hazards from household repellents, especially for those unable to evacuate. The incident has ignited discussions on installing smoke detectors and easy-access extinguishers in homes of the elderly and disabled.
As investigations continue, the community mourns Malti, vowing to support Baliram’s recovery. This tragedy serves as a wake-up call for enhanced safety infrastructure in Bihar’s urban homes.