Madurai, Dec 18: A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday evening at the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) office located opposite the Madurai railway junction in the Periyar area, resulting in the death of a senior female manager and injuries to another employee.The blaze reportedly erupted around 8.40 pm on the second floor of the building, prompting a massive emergency response. Firefighters from the Thideer Nagar Fire Station and nearby units rushed to the scene, deploying around 12 fire tenders to battle the flames, which sent thick plumes of smoke into the air in the busy commercial neighbourhood.
The deceased has been identified as Kalyani, 55, the branch manager originally from Nellai. She was trapped inside as the fire spread and tragically succumbed to severe burns. Another employee, identified as Ramu, 32, was rescued with burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.
Preliminary police and fire department inquiries suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, although a detailed technical investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
The incident caused temporary traffic disruption near the railway junction as emergency vehicles lined the road, and authorities have urged offices and commercial establishments in the area to strictly adhere to fire safety norms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.