Woman succumbs to burns sustained while offering pongala 

KOZHIKODE: A woman who was undergoing treatment for burns sustained while offering Pongala, has died. She has been identified as Vijisha of Westhill in Kozhikode. She was initially treated in the ICU of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. When her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to a private hospital in Kozhikode. She died Monday morning.

Attukal Pongala was on March 3rd. She offered pongala in front of KTDC’s Chaitram Hotel in Thampanoor. While offering pongala, the fire from the hearth just behind her spread to her dress. People nearby doused the flames and admitted her at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Meantime, her family alleged that there were no security arrangements at the place where she offered pongala. Her husband also alleged that there was no distance between the Pongala hearths.