Elderly Woman Sets House Ablaze in Suicide Attempt After Husband's Death

Picture from responders.

An 81-year-old woman in Trat province narrowly survived a devastating fire she reportedly set in an attempt to take her own life. The incident left her with severe burns covering 80% of her body.

The fire broke out at approximately 16.00 on December 28, in a single-storey half-wood, half-concrete home located in Moo 4, Huai Raeng Subdistrict, Mueang District. Emergency services from the Sawang Boonchuay Rescue Centre and the local Huai Raeng fire service rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the blaze.

Upon arrival, responders found the house engulfed in flames. The injured woman, identified as Mrs. Tan, was pulled from the inferno by a neighbour. She had sustained extensive burns and was also suffering from smoke inhalation. Rescue workers provided immediate first aid before transporting her to a hospital for urgent medical care.

After battling the fire for more than 30 minutes, firefighters managed to extinguish the flames, but the damage was catastrophic. The house was completely destroyed, with all belongings reduced to ash.

Mr. Phonrawut, 62, a neighbour, described how he became aware of the fire after hearing several loud noises, similar to firecrackers. Suspecting something was wrong, he ran to Mrs. Tan's house and saw flames rapidly spreading.

"I poured water on myself and ran inside to help her," he recounted. "She was lying on the bed, silent, not calling for help. I dragged her out and immediately called the rescue team."

Initial investigations suggest the fire was deliberately set by Mrs. Tan, who had been deeply distressed following the death of her husband just three days earlier. He had succumbed to a heart attack, and his funeral was held shortly before the incident.

According to neighbours, Mrs. Tan had repeatedly expressed feelings of despair, telling friends that she had "nothing left" after her husband's passing. Authorities believe this emotional distress may have led to her decision to set the house on fire while remaining inside, intending to end her life.

Further investigations are underway to confirm the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, Mrs. Tan remains in critical condition under medical care.

-- 2024-12-29