Elderly man falls on pyre during cremation, dies in Ariyalur

An elderly man died after falling onto a burning pyre at Kumiliyam in Ariyalur district on Thursday evening. The deceased was identified as K. Thangarasu, 75, a resident of Kumiliyam and a crematorium worker.

Thangarasu had allegedly consumed alcohol and was assisting two other workers in the cremation of Ramadoss, a local resident. While the last rites were under way, he accidentally fell onto the burning pyre and sustained severe burns.

The incident came to light only on Friday morning when Thangarasu’s son, Sakthivel, along with a relative of Ramadoss, visited the cremation ground. Mistaking the partially burnt body for that of Ramadoss, they proceeded to complete the cremation.

The identity of the deceased was later established after Thangarasu’s sandals were found near the site.

The Irumbilikurichi police have registered a case and are investigating.