Tamil Nadu: Death toll rises to 11 in cracker shop fire at Ariyalur

Fire broke out while crackers were being made in the shop this morning. It spread very fast and the firecrackers stored in the shop exploded. Seven workers died on the spot and six others suffered severe burn injuries. Death toll rose to 11.

Chennai: The death toll rose to eleven in the cracker shop fire at Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district on Monday, police said. Some injured persons were still receiving treatment in the nearby hospital.

According to the police, the incident took place at around 9.30 am in Yazh Crackers Shop in Virakalur village of Ariyalur district while workers were the making fire crackers. The shop is owned by one Rajendran. Firecrackers are both manufactured and sold off from this shop. With a month to go for Diwali, the shop has engaged an additional number of workers for a higher production, police said.

Among the workers, more than 35 are locals while 10 people hail from Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district. While the workers were busy making the crackers, fire suddenly broke out which quickly spread across the shop. The firecrackers that were stocked in the shop caught fire and exploded with a loud noise.

Several workers who were reportedly trapped inside the shop received severe burn injuries. Three fire tenders from Ariyalur and surrounding areas were pressed into action. Finally, the fire was brought under control after three hours.

Among the deceased, included a woman, police said. The injured are undergoing treatment at the hospital but the condition of six of the workers is serious, police added. "We are investigating as to how the fire broke out. The shop owner along with the workers would be questioned. A case has been lodged into the matter," police said.