Woman Dies in Fire Spread From Mosquito Coil

A tragic fire incident in Sunamganj has claimed the life of a 68-year-old woman after flames from a mosquito coil ignited her bedding. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 4 March, at Amirpur village in Surma Union, Sadar Upazila. The deceased has been identified as Salema Khatun, wife of local resident Nazrul Islam. Police recovered the body and have initiated a preliminary investigation.

According to local sources and police reports, Salema Khatun had retired to a room alone after the family’s evening meal. Her husband, Nazrul Islam, was sleeping elsewhere, while their young son rested in a separate room. In the middle of the night, sparks from a burning mosquito coil are believed to have fallen onto the bed, rapidly spreading the fire and engulfing Salema Khatun.

Neighbours attempted to rescue her. Rahela Begum, wife of Marfat Ali, recounted, “While preparing for pre-dawn meals, I noticed smoke coming from Nazrul Islam’s house. We immediately alerted others, and villagers rushed to help extinguish the fire, but unfortunately, the woman had already been severely burned.”

Nazrul Islam expressed his grief, stating, “I was sleeping elsewhere and returned upon hearing the alarm. By the time I arrived, the room was destroyed. We tried to douse the fire with water and sand, but my wife had already perished in the blaze. My son mentioned that the fire started from the mosquito coil.”

Ward Member Afsan Parvez of Surma Union Parishad confirmed the incident, saying, “Upon receiving the news at night, I rushed to the scene and found the woman had succumbed to severe burns. I then informed the police immediately.”

Officer-in-Charge Ratan Sekh of Sunamganj Sadar Model Police Station added, “The body was recovered at dawn, and initial findings indicate that the fire originated from a mosquito coil. Most of the victim’s body was burned. Legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.”

The incident has left the local community in shock and grief, highlighting the urgent need for increased household fire safety and caution when using mosquito coils indoors.

Summary of the Incident

This unfortunate event has reinforced the importance of vigilance when using mosquito coils, particularly in bedrooms, and serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards of open flames within the household.