Bengaluru techie dies of ‘suffocation’ after fire breaks out in rented house

Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire originated in another room of the house, which was occupied by Sharmila’s friend. (Express photo)

A 34-year-old software professional in Bengaluru died after a fire broke out at her rented residence late on January 3. The police suspect she died due to suffocation caused by dense smoke, with preliminary investigation indicating that the blaze may have been caused by a short circuit.

The police identified the woman as Sharmila Kushalappa. An Accenture employee, she hailed from Mangaluru and had shifted to Bengaluru around a year ago for work.

The incident occurred at a house in Subramanya Layout. The police said neighbours noticed smoke billowing from the house around 10.30 pm and alerted the homeowner, Vijayendra, who in turn, informed the Ramamurthy Nagar police. Fire and emergency services were immediately pressed into action.

Rescue personnel forced open the locked door to enter the premises. By the time they gained access, the house was engulfed in thick smoke. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and carried out a search of the house, during which Sharmila was found unconscious. She was shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead, the police said.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. However, the probe is still underway, and we are examining what led to the heavy accumulation of smoke,” a police official said.

Investigators believe that as smoke spread rapidly through the house, Sharmila may have opened her door and inhaled a large amount of toxic fumes, causing her to collapse before she could escape.

A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has inspected the spot, and police are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fire. An unnatural death case has been registered at the Ramamurthy Nagar police station, and further investigation is on.