Thanjavur: 18 goats perish in freak fire

THANJAVUR: At least 18 goats were killed in a fire accident in a paddy field at Erakaram village near Kumbakonam near here on Monday.

It is usual practice by shepherds from Ramanathapuram to bring goats and keep them in field for manure on rental basis. Accordingly Murugesan (41) son of Vellaichamy from Kadaladi in Ramanathapuram district brought 1,000 goats and was keeping them in fields at Erakaram. Some people lit fire to paddy straw in the field near the goats.

The fire spread in wind and engulfed some goats. In the mishap, 18 goats were charred to death. Swamimalai police have registered a case.