Aizawl, Sep 1 (IANS) A 21-year-old physically challenged woman was charred to death after a house caught fire in Mizoram’s Khawzawl district on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

The deceased, identified as Lalhriatzuali (Vohbik), was the only person inside the house when it caught fire at Khawhai village in eastern Mizoram, they said.

The house was occupied by four members of the family, but at the time of the incident, the victim was alone at home.

People from nearby areas noticed the fire and rushed to the spot to douse the flames. However, by the time they reached the house, the fire had completely gutted the structure and the victim could not be rescued, a police official said.

Lalhriatzuali was reportedly on a bed and could not escape from the house due to her physical disability, the official said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and further details are awaited.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed grief over the incident and announced Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia assistance to the bereaved family under the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) norms.

Lalduhoma said he was deeply saddened by the death of Lalhriatzuali and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to her family.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister said: “I have learned with deep sorrow that the house of Ngurkhuma at Khawhai in Khawzawl District caught fire around noon today, claiming the precious life of his daughter, Lalhriatzuali (Vohbik), aged 21.

“I am deeply saddened and extend my heartfelt condolences. May God continue to be with and comfort all those who loved and were close to the deceased.”

As per SDRF norms, an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh will be provided to Lalhriatzuali’s family, while all possible assistance available under the rules will also be considered for those affected by the tragedy, the Chief Minister said.

–IANS

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