Death toll climbs to 10 in Sivakasi fire

Three more persons injured in a blaze at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Virdhunagar district died at government hospitals here today, taking the death toll in the incident to 10 while 13 others were battling for life.

Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi told the state assembly that he had ordered an inquiry by Revenue Divisional Officer into the fire and instructions were issued to monitor the fire safety measures installed in fire works units in the state.

Police said while two persons died at Sivakasi government hospital, one died at Government Rajaji Hospital here this morning. More than 30 persons sustained injuries in the fire yesterday at Namaskarichanpatti.

Karunanidhi said that 13 persons, who were admitted to the Rajaji Hospital, were in a serious condition. The license of the fireworks unit had been suspended, he said.

He announced a solatium of Rs one lakh each to the next of the kin of those killed, Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured and Rs 25,000 who received 30 per cent burns.

The management of the factory had announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of the kin of those killed besides Rs 10,000 for funeral expenses.

Police said cases under various sections of IPC and Explosives Act were registered against the owners of the factory.