Tragic Loss: Firefighter Dies Saving Woman in Kerala Well
Well collapse in Kollam kills firefighter and couple during attempted rescue operation.
A daring rescue operation turned fatal late Sunday night in Neduvathoor, Kollam district, when an 80-foot-deep well's parapet collapsed, killing a firefighter and the two individuals he was attempting to save. The incident, which unfolded around 10 PM, has left the local community reeling, highlighting the perils faced by first responders in emergency situations. Authorities identified the deceased as Fire and Rescue Services officer Soni S Kumar, 36, from Attingal; Archana, 33, a local resident; and her partner Sivakrishnan, 22, from Kodungalloor in Thrissur district.
The sequence of events began with a domestic dispute at Archana's home, where the couple had been cohabiting for the past two months. Police reports indicate Sivakrishnan returned home intoxicated, sparking an argument after Archana hid the remaining liquor to prevent further consumption. In a moment of despair, Archana jumped into the well on her property, prompting an immediate call to the Kottarakkara Fire and Rescue Unit. Soni, a dedicated officer with years of service, volunteered to descend the well equipped with a safety rope tied around his waist, aiming to retrieve her swiftly.
As Soni hoisted Archana toward safety, tragedy struck when Sivakrishnan, leaning perilously close to the well's edge to provide flashlight illumination, inadvertently dislodged the unstable parapet. The crumbling structure sent debris cascading into the depths, pulling Sivakrishnan in and burying all three beneath rubble and water. Soni, secured by his rope, was extracted first by his team, but the delay in accessing Archana and Sivakrishnan proved critical. Local residents and a second Fire and Rescue team from Kollam rushed to the scene, pulling the victims out and transporting them to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival despite frantic efforts to revive them.
Also Read: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Hostages Held Since Nova Festival to be Released
Preliminary investigations by Kollam police suggest Archana's act stemmed from personal distress amid the altercation, though a full inquiry into the well's structural integrity is underway. The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, which has seen increased calls during monsoons due to such hazards, commended Soni's bravery, with officials planning posthumous honors. This incident underscores longstanding concerns over aging infrastructure in rural areas and the need for enhanced safety protocols in rescue operations. As condolences pour in for the families, community leaders are calling for mental health support and well-safety audits to prevent future losses.
Also Read: Families Await Justice as SC Considers TVK’s Karur Stampede Plea Today
