It was impossible to penetrate the flames to render aid. The police officers were escorted to Stony Brook University Hospital after attempting to enter the cottage.
An unfortunate incident on December 14th killed a 32 years old Indian-American entrepreneur along with her dog. Tanya Bathija was residing in a cottage behind her parent’s house in Carlls Straight Path, Long Island, New York.
News agency PTI reported that Ms. Bathija and her dog died on the spot. Businessman and community leader Gobind Bathija, Tanya Bathija’s father woke up early for his usual morning exercise routine, looked out of the window, and spotted the fire. Mr. Bathija immediately alerted his wife and called 911.
The patrol officers responded to the blaze at 2:53 am. A sergeant and some patrol officers tried to enter the cottage but were repelled by the fire as the flames were too strong. They were later transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Suffolk Police Department Lt Kevin Beyrer, Head of Homicide Squad, said, “Tanya Bathija lived in the cottage behind her parent’s house on Carlls Straight Path”. “Mr. Bathija alerted his wife at the same time as he called 911. They ran outside to the cottage and tried to get her out but it was fully engulfed,” the department added.
The Dix Hills Fire Department reported that the blaze was so strong, it took 60 firefighters and rescue workers hours to control.
The Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) ruled the incident non-criminal after a preliminary investigation.
After completing her MBA in accounting and finance, she aimed to become a businesswoman. She recently inaugurated a Dunkin’ Donuts outlet in Bellport and another one is under construction.
David Kennedy, the executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, showed his condolence to the family and said Tanya was an energetic business leader.
Her funeral will take place at Maloney’s Lake Funeral Home and Cremation Centre in Lake Ronkonkoma on Sunday at 10 am. A prayer will be held at Asamai Hindu Temple on the same day at 4 pm.
