Chandigarh, October 16, 2024: A 60-year-old woman died on after suffering severe burn injuries at her home in Burail. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when she caught fire while using a gas stove in the kitchen, according to police reports.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman sustained 80 percent burn injuries, which ultimately led to her death. Her husband, who was at home at the time, informed the police that she had been struggling with depression for some time.
While authorities suspect the possibility of suicide, they have not ruled out the chance that the incident could have been accidental. “We are keeping all possibilities open and conducting a thorough investigation,” a police officer said.
The woman’s body has been sent for a postmortem to determine the exact cause of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as officials seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.
An 80% burn injury means that 80% of a person’s body surface area is affected by burns. This type of injury is considered severe and life-threatening, as it can impact vital functions such as temperature regulation, fluid balance, and protection against infections. Burns are categorized by degree:
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin and usually heal on their own.
Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, causing blisters and severe pain.
Third-degree burns destroy both the outer and inner layers of the skin, potentially damaging underlying tissues and nerves.
