Madurai: Sixteen people were burnt to death and more than 25 others suffered serious injuries when a major fire raged through a fireworks factory and godown at Vadakkampatti near Madurai on Tuesday.
Eight persons died on the spot while others succumbed to the burn injuries either on way to or at hospitals, officials told PTI.
Eight fire tenders battled the fire for around four hours to control the raging blaze. It was brought under control at around 11 pm.
The fire brigade and police officials said the exact number of casualties would be known only after the fire was extinguished.
Non-availability of water in the vicinity also made the job tough, the officials said, adding they had to bring water from a nearby tank delaying the fire fighting.
The cause of the fire, however, was not yet known.
"The injured were in unconscious state, making it difficult for us to know the cause of the fire," they said.
Most of the injured, including some children, had suffered more than 50 per cent burns. They have been admitted to hospitals.
Only two bodies have been identified while others were beyond recognition, the officials said.
The fire broke out at around 7 pm, with loud explosions of crackers that could be heard about one kilometer away from the factory.
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