Sivakasi cracker unit blast: 5 more dead

SIVAKASI: The death toll in the explosion that took place in the illegal fireworks unit at V Meenakshipuram near Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district, rose to seven with five  more government officers succumbing to their injuries on Friday.

On information that Ramasubbu, of V Meenakshipuram near Sivakasi, was manufacturing fireworks without licence, a team of revenue and police officers, led by RDO Kombayan, raided his house on August 10. While they were inspecting the premises there was a loud explosion in the room housing the motor. It was said that bundles of wicks used for manufacturing crackers were set on fire.

Eight officers suffered injuries and village administrative officer Kumarasamy died on admission to a hospital in Madurai on the same day. Revenue inspector Chandrasekaran died on Thursday.

Three others, Rajeshkannan (34), revenue inspector of Sattur, Ramesh (29), sub inspector of armed reserve police, Virudhunagar, constable Ganesan (36) and Asai Kani, Virudhunagar Armed Police died on Friday morning. In the afternoon, it was reported that Abdul Latiff (57), Inspector of Police, Sattur town police station also breathed his last. In a related development, Ramasubbu, the owner of the shed in which the explosion took place, surrendered before the Sattur court on Friday. He was remanded in 15 days judicial custody.

TAHSILDAR’S OFFICE CLOSED: Following the death of Rajeshkannan, revenue inspector of Sattur, the staff at the tahsildar’s office did not turn up for work on Friday. The office was therefore closed. The staff at the RDO’s office also did not report for work on Friday.  

Rs 5 lakh solatium: Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Friday granted a solatium of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the five government employees who lost their lives in the fire accident at an illegal fireworks manufacturing unit in V Meenakshipuram. The government would bear the full medical expenses of those who suffered injuries in the accident and government employment would be provided to an eligible member in each of the families of victims on a priority basis, he said.