Two charred to death

Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, Dec 19 (UNI) Two people were charred to death on sunday when a half-burnt cigarette caused fire in a house at Kannakapattu village near Thiruporur in Kancheepuram district.

Police said one Janakiraman (38), who was working as a Mason, and his four-year-old son were sleeping in their residence. Janakiraman woke up at midnight and lighted a cigarette. Without stubbing out the cigarette, he went back to sleep. Meanwhile, fire spread from the stub and engulfed the room.

When the badly burnt father and his son shouted for help, the neighbours rushed them to Royapettah Government Hospital in Chennai.

The duo, however, succumbed to their injuries.

UNI XR PKS BST0427