Many rescue workers among 38 killed in Sivakasi fire; 12 held

'The force of the blast was felt even 200 metres away seriously injuring all who stood in the way'

POLICE have arrested 12 persons for the fire at the firecracker manufacturing unit in Sivakasi which killed 38 people yesterday. While six were arrested yesterday itself,the rest were nabbed today. However,the factorys original licence holder is still absconding.

According to officials,the factory had been illegally leased to R Palpandi,who has been arrested along with his brothers R Mahendran,R Pandithurai,foreman U Udayakumar and labour contractor Annadurai. They have all been charged for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances,apart from provisions under the Indian Explosives Act.

We have formed 10 special teams to nab Murugesan,the original licence holder who is absconding, said DSP Najmul Hoda.

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Officials who were at the spot yesterday said many of those who died were the local public who disregarded repeated warnings against venturing near the factory while the fire was raging inside. The explosives stored in a room exploded with a huge blast,reducing the room to rubble and sending debris and splinters flying towards them.

The force of the blast was felt even 200 metres away,killing or seriously injuring all who stood in the way, said deputy director of forensics,Madurai,T Janakiram.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has ordered an inquiry headed by the district revenue officer.