Warangal: An explosion in a fireworks manufacturing factory that did not abide by the rules caused the death of eight workers and severely injured five others on Wednesday morning.
Commissioner of Police V. Ravinder said the Bhadrakali fireworks factory, though possessing a valid licence, was in violation of several rules including storing more than the permissible amount of firecrackers inside the factory.
He said the owner of the factory Gollapalli Raj Kumar (38) has been arrested. Cases have been registered under Sec 304 and 285 of the IPC and Sec 9 of the Explosives Act.
“The unit had obtained a licence which is valid till 2021 but there were several violations of the conditions. The reason for the breakout of the fire inside the factory is not known yet. Our investigation will shed light on the reason soon,” he said.
The tin shed of the factory was completely blown off because of the explosion. The crackers inside the factory went off for 20 minutes, filling the area with a massive cloud of smoke for a long time.
The scene of the incident was gruesome with limbs of people scattered around. The bodies were completely burnt and unrecognisable. Local people rushed to the spot and rescued some of the injured workers, who were shifted to MGM hospital.
Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao announces Rs 5 lakh ex gratia
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao expressed shock over the loss of lives in the fire accident at Warangal. In a statement released by his office on Wednesday, he conveyed his condolences to the kin of the bereaved families.
Mr Rao directed the officials concerned to provide better medical facilities for the injured at the government’s expense and instructed that the collector take up relief and rehabilitation measures immediately. He announced '5 lakh ex gratia for the victim’s kin and assured help.
Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari visited the factory along with Collector M. Haritha, MLA Challa Dharma Reddy, Police Commissioner V. Ravinder and others. The education minister assured that Srivani and Sravani’s children would be admitted in a gurukula. He also spoke to the injured victims at MGM hospital. He also announced '10,000 towards funeral expenses.
As part of immediate relief measures, he directed the officials to provide ration to the families for a week. He also said that double bedroom houses would be given to all.
Mayor N. Narender, MLA Vinay Bhaskar, TRS leader Gundu Sudharani, Baswaraju Saraiah, E. Pradeep Rao, senior Congress leader Ponnala Lakshmaiah and other politicians.
