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Two women — Kashiammal, 67, a fisherwoman and Lalitha, 70, her neighbour — are in serious condition after they suffered 80% burns in a fire caused by a cooking gas leak near Ponneri on Wednesday.

The incident took place when Kashiammal, along with Lalitha, went to check on the foul smell emanating from her house. As it was dark inside, she lit a match, leading to the fire.

Kashiammal, in the meantime, got a foul smell emanating from her house. Accompanied by Lalitha, she went to her house to check. As it was dark inside, Kashiammallit a match, which caused a fire reportedly fuelled by a leak in the gas pipe. Both Kashiammal and Lalitha suffered severe burns. Hearing their screams, the neighbours rushed to the scene, rescued them, and sent them to the Ponneri Government Hospital.

The two women, having suffered 80% burns, were later shifted to Government Kilpauk medical college hospital for further treatment.

The Kattur police have registered a case.