A fire which broke out in a fireworks manufacturing unit near Sivakasi on Saturday claimed two lives and left four workers with multiple injuries and burns.
According to a fire service officer, who was monitoring the rescue operations, more than 300 workers were in the 15 sheds in the unit, owned by Sekar of Sivakasi. It is said that Sekar had leased the premises to Raja of Sivakasi, who was manufacturing chakkars, rockets and other fireworks on the campus.
The fire was suspected to have broken out when a worker was carrying chemicals used for preparing chakkar from one shed to another, which led to flying of sparks. As there was high decibel noise from the shed, workers ran to safety and commotion prevailed for a while. Out of the 14 sheds, at least five were destroyed in the fire. The thick smoke that engulfed the area delayed evacuation of some women workers to safety, the officer added.
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Workers P. Irullappan (60) and Lokeswaran (35) of Gangakulam near Sivakasi died. Four others – K. Santhanam (24), K. Ganesan (25), K. Arumugam (23) and Muthammal (37) – suffered multiple injuries and burns. They have been admitted to hospital. Two fire tenders were pressed into service. It took over an hour for the fire fighters to put out the blaze.
Collector V. Rajaraman, District Revenue Officer Muthukumaran and police officers visited the spot. Malli police have registered a case.