At least 10 people died in a blaze at a fireworks factory in Kashibugga area of Telangana’s Warangal district on Wednesday, ANI reported. Four fire engines went to the spot to put out the blaze, Warangal District Collector Amrapali Kata said.
Several people were injured in the fire, which began around 11.30 am, Telangana Today reported. Those who suffered severe burns have been shifted to MGM Hospital in Warangal city. Two people are said to be in a critical condition.
District Fire Officer Bhagvan Reddy said preliminary investigation suggested that the fire was caused by a short circuit, according to The New Indian Express. He said the unit had all relevant documents and licences. “We will verify everything and see whether the owner had violated any norms.”
The resultant explosion was so powerful that the factory’s roof was blown off, the local daily said. Walls of some houses near the site developed cracks, while two wheelers and a car parked near the factory were damaged in the blast. The factory collapsed due to the blast, and more bodies may be found in the rubble.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to families of the victims and directed the district administration to take care of medical expenses of those injured in the incident.
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