In a tragic incident in Ilkal town, Bagalkot district, 37-year-old Basamma Yaranal, widow of an ex-army personnel, lost both her forearms in a devastating explosion caused by a faulty hair dryer. The explosion occurred on November 20, 2024, when Basamma, while testing the device at her home, was severely injured. The force of the blast shattered her fingers and severed both forearms.

The hair dryer had been delivered to Basamma’s neighbour, Shashikala, who was away at the time. At Shashikala’s request, Basamma collected the parcel and tested the device. As soon as she plugged it in, it exploded. Preliminary investigations point to an electrical short circuit as the cause of the explosion, with the hair dryer requiring a higher wattage electrical connection than available, leading to the disaster.

In a shocking incident in Ilkal town, Bagalkot district, 37-year-old Basamma Yaranal, widow of an ex-army personnel, suffered life-altering injuries when a faulty hair dryer exploded, severing both her forearms. The incident occurred on November 20, 2024, while Basamma was testing the device at her home. The force of the blast shattered her fingers and caused catastrophic damage to both arms.

Investigations reveal that the device was shipped from Bagalkot, prompting authorities to trace its manufacturer, a company based in Visakhapatnam. While Basamma’s relative Shashikala has claimed no knowledge of purchasing the hair dryer, police suspect it may have been ordered online. Efforts are underway to verify the origins of the transaction and determine accountability.

Basamma is currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Ilkal. Medical experts are monitoring her condition closely as she undergoes treatment for her severe injuries. Meanwhile, the Ilkal Police have registered a case and are conducting a detailed investigation to establish liability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This incident raises serious concerns about the quality control and safety standards of consumer electronics. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution when purchasing electrical appliances, especially from unverified sources.