'Jumped from third floor'; Kasaragod native pulls of 'Houdini act' to escape Kuwait fire tragedy

KASARAGOD: The Kuwait fire tragedy has cast a gloom over the Gulf country and more so in Kerala. Amidst the rising death toll comes the heroic escape managed by Kasaragod native Nalinakshan.

The news about the miraculous escape was informed to the media by Nalinakshan’s relatives. On Wednesday, Nalinakshan’s mother Yashoda, wife Bindu and siblings in Trikaripur waited with bated breath when news about the fire tragedy first emerged. However, they heaved a sigh of relief when a call reached home confirming that Nalinakshan only suffered minor injuries and was away from any danger.

“I only discerned about the incident when smoke started emanating inside. I didn't know what to do at first. But the thought about the water tank below the apartment only passed my mind when the smoke was getting too intense, almost making it certain that I get charred to death. I didn’t go for any second thoughts but jumped from the third floor to the water tank. After the fall, I was injured below my torso.” Nalinakshan told his relatives that he was unconscious until he reached the hospital. Nalinakshan has been working in Kuwait for more than 10 years.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George will land in Kuwait soon on Thursday. State Mission Director Jeevan Babu will accompany the Minister. They are coming to Kuwait to coordinate activities such as the treatment of injured Malayalees and the repatriation of dead bodies.