Man sets himself, family on fire; 3 dead

Kochi, July 3 (UNI) Three members of a family, including two children, were killed after a man set on fire himself and his sleeping wife and children in Kothamangalam area of Ernakulam district early today, police said.

The deceased were identified as Paul Cherian (45) his eight-year-old daughter Mitali and three-year-old son Basil. His wife Shirly (42) is reported to be in a ''very serious'' condition, with over 55 per cent burns, at the Kolencherry Medical College Hospital.

Police said according to a statement given by Shirly to the magistrate, she was woken up between 0300 and 0400 hrs. by the heat of the fire.

She saw her husband rolling on the floor with his body in flames.

Her daughter and son were also on fire. Shirly said she tried to save herself and her children but could not as the fire was too strong.

On hearing her cries, the neighbours rushed in and doused the flames and took the four to hospital. While Paul and children died in hospital, Shirly was reported to be in a very serious condition.

Police said financial problems seemed to have been the reason behind the incident.

UNI