Bengaluru: 12 dead after fire breaks out at firecracker store in Attibele

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 8, 2023: At least 12 people were killed while some others were injured after a fire broke out at a firecracker store in Attibele of Anekal town.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar visited the spot late at night and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for each of the families of the victims who were killed in the godown fire.

“We have information that as many as 19 workers were at the godown,” Shivakumar told reporters. “One person has been arrested, he is also receiving treatment. The other six injured are at the hospital. The bodies of 12 people have been recovered. It is suspected that there may be some others on the other side.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the loss of lives.  "I was deeply saddened to hear the news that 12 people died in the fire accident that broke out in a firecracker store near Anekal, Bangalore city district. I am going to visit the accident site tomorrow and inspect it. My condolences to the family of the deceased workers," said the Karnataka CM on Twitter.

Several fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze. The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained. Visuals from the site showed massive blaze erupting from the store.

A police officer said that the fire broke out in afternoon in the shop built right next to the highway. "The firework shop was on fire in no time. The warehouse which was next to the firecracker shop also caught fire. The situation is under control," police said.

According to the damage assessment done by the officials, seven two-wheelers, a container lorry, and three other vehicles were gutted in the fire.