KOCHI: A 79-year-old woman, who was stuck in the swamp for four hours, was brought back to life by the fire force. Kamalakshiamma, a resident of Marad, was saved by the fire force. The incident took place near Maradu St Antony's Road at around 12 noon yesterday.

Kamalakshiamma slipped and fell in the swamp while taking the shortcut to reach home easily. She screamed as hard as she could but no one came as there were no houses nearby. As hours passed, Kamalakshiamma got stuck in the swamp, exhausted. In the meantime, Seena who is a neighbour, went up to the second floor of her house to collect the washed clothes. She saw Kamalakshiamma which is what saved her life.

Seena shouted and called the people together. The Thrippunithura Fire Force unit reached the spot around 4 p.m. after coming to know about the incident. Under the leadership of Assistant Fire Station Officer PK Santhosh, Kamalakshiamma was brought ashore very quickly using ropes and other equipment. The body was washed off with water and she was shifted to a nearby private hospital. She has no major injuries and will return home today. Kamalakshiamma thanked the fire force personnel who rescued her with folded hands.

Kamalakshiamma rarely takes this route to reach home. Several days ago, some anti-socials had piled garbage in the field. As there was grass growing on top of it, she mistook it for a pathway and stepped into the swamp. Kamalakshiamma lives with her only son who is mentally challenged. She earns money for her son's treatment by working even in her old age.

Fire station officer T Vinuraj, officers Binoy Chandran, MC Sinmon, Arun Isaac, Vipin, CV Srinath and home guard Rajith led the rescue operation.