THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Fire and rescue officials said the death of five members of a family in Varkala was after they inhaled smoke. They stated that the burns are not the cause of death and that preliminary examination did not find any suspicion. None of their clothes were burned. The smoke did not go out as every room was air conditioned. This aggravated the level of the tragedy. Those inside the house were taken out three and a half hours later after the fire spread.

It is clear that the fire spread from the house. However, the presence of petrol and kerosene which are flammable, was not in the house. Therefore, preliminary conclusion is that the fire broke out due to a short circuit.

Most of the electronics in the house including the AC have been damaged. The hall on the ground floor and first floor of the house have been completely destroyed in the fire. Forensic experts have started an investigation to find out the cause of the fire. The police said the matter could be clarified only after getting their report. A detailed investigation will be conducted on the incident. The investigation is being led by range IG R Nishandhini.

A fire broke out at the house of Prathapan, a trader of vegetables in Puthenchantha Tuesday early morning. . Prathapan (64), his wife Shirley (53), son Akhil (25), daughter-in-law Abhirami (24) and their eight-month-old baby were those dead. Prathapan’s elder son Nikhil (29) is in a serious condition. A clarity would be obtained only after taking his statement.

Their neighbours saw fire and smoke billowing from the car porch this morning at 1.30 am. Though they tried to alert the family members, there was no response. In the meanwhile, a child from nearby tried to contact Nikhil on the phone. He took the phone and talked but did not come out. The locals reached there informed the fire force and started rescue operations. Soon Nikhil came out.

The locals said the remote control gate and their pet dog were a hindrance for rescue operations. Though people rushed seeing the fire, they could not enter the house as the gate was remote controlled. Many were scared to jump the gate as their pet dog was in the courtyard.

The bodies of Abhirami and her baby were found lying in the room’s bathroom on the first floor. The body of Akhil was in another room on the first floor. The bodies of Prathapan and his wife were found in the room on the ground floor, said the fire force officials. The fire force officials got inside after breaking the kitchen door. Four bikes parked in the car porch were completely gutted and a bullet partially gutted in the fire. Nothing has happened to one scooter and two cars parked in another side of the house.