Investigation and inquest
On the 30th December 2016 an investigation was commenced into the death of Rasikaben Lallubhai CHAUHAN (84). The investigation concluded by way of inquest on 17th May 2017. The medical cause of death was 1a) Multiple burn injuries
Circumstances of the death
Mrs Chauhan was an 84 year old lady living in a block of flats specialising in sheltered accommodation for elderly people of south east Asian/Indian origin. On the 27th December 2016, Mrs Chauhan was in a chair facing her Hindu shrine when one of two oil burning candles became dislodged from the shrine falling onto her clothes and fully engulfing her in fire. The oil burner contained ghee (clarified butter). Mrs Chauhan was wearing a sari type robe dress. The ghee and the sari were both factors which would have caused Mrs Chauhan to become engulfed in flames very quickly. The Northamptonshire fire and rescue station manager revealed in evidence that he does have knowledge of several other incidents and that in some areas advice is being given in relation to the use of battery powered candles.
Coroner’s concerns
1) It is not clear if any awareness about this specific risk has been raised at a local or national level, with relevant community and religious organisations.