Death toll in fireworks factory explosion rises to 7
Madurai/UNI: The death toll in an explosion at a private fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district rose to seven with two more workers succumbing to burn injuries at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) here on Saturday.
Five women workers were charred to death and three others suffered serious burn injuries in a fire accident at a private fireworks factory in M.Sengulam village under T.Kallupatti police limits in Madurai district on Friday afternoon.
Police said P.Lakshmi (45) and M.Mahalakshmi (45), both hailing from Kadaneri village here, died today despite intense treatment, taking the death toll in the accident to seven.
The condition of another worker, namely R.Sundaramoorthy (39) who had sustained more than 70 percent burns was undergoing treatment at GRH in a critical condition.
Meanwhile, the bodies of five women M.Veluthai (45), P.Lakshmi (50), P.Suruliammal (50), K.Ayyammal (65) and S.Kaleeswari (45) were handed over to their respective family members today, after the post-mortem.
While Tamil Nadu government announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for each of the deceased, the fireworks factory management offered Rs 5 lakh to the kin of victims.
The fire broke out at Rajalakshmi Fireworks Factory, leading to a series of explosions, when the labourers were engaged in making fancy variety crackers.
Investigations revealed that friction while handling the chemicals was the reason for the fire tragedy.
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