With 60% burns, 3-year-old fights for life

Bengaluru: Sanjana S, 3, who sustained 60 per cent burns in a suspected LPG cylinder blast in Ejipura on Monday morning, is battling for life at Victoria Hospital. The child had a miraculous escape after a two-storied residential building collapsed, killing seven persons, inlcuding her parents Saravana and Ashwini.

Dr Ramesh Kumar K T, head of the department, burns ward, said the kid has suffered 60 per cent burns and it’s dangerous. “As of now, Sanjana is responding to treatment. We cannot say anything in next 48 hours,” he said.

Hospital staff said they are feeding her with protein and liquid food, including tender coconut. “Sanjana likes egg and we started giving her that from Tuesday morning. In the morning, she ate idli and ragi ganji. We hope that she would fight this battle too like she did on Monday,” they said.

James Karthik and Asha Kumar, siblings of Sanjana’s mother, are looking after Sanjana. “Sanjana is responding slowly. She is still in a shock of the tragic incident that she witnessed. While sleeping, she cries for help, calling her mother,” James said.

Sanjana’s father Saravana Kumar had planned to move out of this house, family members said. “Saravana was a private company employee and also owned an autorickshaw which he had given for lease to another driver. He wanted to admit Sanjana to a private school, which is 4km from the present house. He was searching for a rented house close to the school,” they added.

Building owner held

S Gunesh, the owner of the building, was arrested on Tuesday. Viveknagar police have charged him with negligence. “We are waiting for the FSL report. If it’s a cylinder blast, the owner cannot be held guilty completely,” police said.