Bhatkal: Tragedy struck as a woman from Bhatkal, Mrs. Zareena Shaheen Kola (57), lost her life due to suffocation in a sudden fire that broke out in a residential flat on the twelfth floor of a seventeen-storied building in Attawar, Mangalore. The incident occurred between Monday and Tuesday night around four o'clock.

Mrs. Kola, the wife of Mr. Abdullah Kola, had recently arrived in Mangalore from Dubai for medical treatment with her husband and was residing in her son-in-law Shayan Damudi's flat along with her two daughters. The fire erupted in the hall of the flat at night, resulting in the rapid spread of smoke throughout the rooms. Unfortunately, Mrs. Kola, who was believed to be in the bathroom at the time, succumbed to suffocation.

Shayan Damudi, who was in Bhatkal during the incident, was alerted by his wife about the fire. The entire flat was filled with smoke, trapping everyone inside. Shayan quickly informed friends in the residential tower, who bravely opened the flat door with an alternate key, rescuing Mr. Abdullah Kola and the two daughters. Regrettably, Mrs. Kola had already passed away by that time.

Fahad Shabandri, an active member of Bhatkal Muslim Jamaat in Mangalore, played a crucial role in the rescue. Describing the harrowing scene, he recounted how the entire hall was filled with smoke, making it challenging to enter. Despite the difficulties, they managed to pull out Mr. Abdullah, who was unconscious in one bedroom, and the two trapped women from another room.

Mr. Abdullah is currently hospitalized at AJ Hospital, where he is in the ICU due to heavy smoke inhalation, but his condition is reported to be stable. The two other women have also received medical attention at a private hospital.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Initial speculation about a mobile battery explosion was dismissed, as there was no mobile in the hall. The fire resulted in the burning and destruction of the aquarium, furniture, including the sofa, and other belongings.

After the necessary paperwork, the deceased's body will be transported to Bhatkal Hanifabad. A case has been registered at the Mangalore police station, and investigations are underway.