Two women lost their lives after a fridge compressor exploded at a private working women’s hostel in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, located about 500 km from Chennai. The blast, which occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m., caused a fire that engulfed the wooden partitions of the hostel.
“The women died due to suffocation. Three others sustained minor injuries, and 24 individuals were rescued,” said J Loganathan, Commissioner of Police, Madurai.
One person, Inba Jagadeesan, who is registered as the hostel’s operator, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion.
The Vishaka Women’s Hostel, located near the Periyar Bus Stand, is currently embroiled in a property dispute and has failed to renew its operating license, according to police.
District Collector MS Sangeetha emphasized that the administration will intensify efforts to crack down on illegal constructions that violate safety norms.