The licence of Om Sakthi Fireworks Industries was cancelled for multiple violations only a day before Black Wednesday, officials said.
Officials of the Department of Explosives, who were present at the site, claimed that the suspension order was issued online to the owner, Murugesan, only on Tuesday. The order was sent by post to the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police.
“During a random inspection on August 28, Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives B. Rengasamy found large-scale violations of safety norms in the unit. The licence was suspended only on September 4,” an official said.
Forty violations
The officials had detected 40 violations, including overstocking of explosives, both raw material and finished goods, and employment of workers in excess of the permitted strength.
As different kinds of explosives with diverse chemical properties were being used, the exact cause or point of the explosion could not be ascertained immediately.
“Further enquiry with the workers is required to come to a conclusion,” the official said.
Indians have penchant to gather on scene of such tragedy or accident sites,immediately upon occurrence,wherever it occurs, blocking vital access to support and hindering the rescue effortss and in this case taking the lives.
Why do we always need police to prevent us from gathering near such tragic sites?
Im sorry to comment on the behaviour exhibited by onlookers,as they were the maximum impacted people.May God be with their dear and near to help them cope with the tragedy.
It looks completely a face saving exercise by Department of Explosives. You did audit on 28/Aug, found serious lapses (life treatening) but waited for 7 days to send letters to the factory and concerned concerned authority? It's ridiculous. Whose responsibilities are to take prompt actions to prevent such disasters?
'The deceased were mainly onlookers standing inside the factory
premises....' What were they doing there? Why were they allowed inside?
Who allowed them inside the premises? These are some of the questions
that need to be answered.
On 28 August 2012, the officials found that safety regulations were not being adhered to which could lead to desctruction of life and property. What prevented them from declaring the factory not safe and closing the operations immediately? Why one week was required to suspend the licence? Questions that needs to be answered in the public forums.
Not the Governemnt, instead of playing 'pass the parcel', should bring the full force of law on those who flouted it and those who helped flout it. The Goveernment should forthwith make arrangements for the kith and kin to be compensated while the quantum of comepensation is debated.
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