Thiruvananthapuram : Five in a family were killed following a house fire in Varkala. The tragic blaze took place at Prathapan’s house, Rahul Nivas in Dalavarum who is a vegetable wholesaler in Puthanchatha.
Killed in the fire are Prathapan (62), wife Sherli(52), daughter0in-law Abhrami(24) and younger son(27). Also killed is Abhirami’s eight-month-old son Rayan. Prathapan's son Nihil is lone survivor and hospitalised with burns.
A short-circuit is believed to have likely caused the blaze. The air conditioner in all rooms were functioning at the time of fire. Forensic team has been called to the scene to aid investigation. The house has been completely gutted Motorbikes parked in the porch too have been burnt.
Prathapan’s oldest son resides abroad with family. Funerals shall be held after their arrival.