12 charred to death in blaze at firecracker godown in B'luru

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: At least 12 people were charred to death after a fire broke out at a firecracker godowncum-shop in Attibele in Anekal taluk here on Saturday, police said.

Four persons, including the shop owner, sustained burn injuries and were given treatment. One of them who suffered serious burn injuries has been referred to another hospital, they said.

As per media reports, Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baldandi informed that 10 bodies have been recovered so far (as of 10:20 pm on Saturday).

He added that some other people in the godown ran out as the fire broke out. The incident occurred around 4.30 pm and firefighters were at the spot, said the police.

“Search operations are still underway to ascertain if any more employees are still trapped inside the gutted shop," further added the SP.

"Five fire engines have been pressed into operations and the fire is under control now," he added.

Firecrackers worth several lakhs were stored in the godown for the upcoming Deepavali festival. It caught fire and started exploding, police said. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, they said.