Cracker shop fire: Toll rises to 14; Karnataka, TN promise compensation

The toll in the fire accident at a cracker shop near Bengaluru has reached 14 following two more deaths, police said on Sunday (October 8).

While 12 people were charred to death at the shop-cum-godown itself on Saturday, two others died while undergoing treatment on Sunday. The shop is located at Attibele in Anekal Taluk.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited the spot on Saturday and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the deceased. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the deaths.

Most were from Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, and other leaders on Sunday condoled the deaths on Sunday.

According to police, most of the victims were from Ammalpettai in Dharmapuri district, Vaniyambadi in Tirupattur, and Kallakurichi districts in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

In a statement, Stalin expressed anguish over the deaths. He said he has deputed his Cabinet colleagues R Sakkarapani and Ma Subramanian to oversee the treatment requirements of the injured and coordinate steps for their transfer to Tamil Nadu, if required.

He announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh each to the grievously injured, and Rs 50,000 to those with simple injuries.

Palaniswami, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, expressed grief over the incident. In a post on X, he extended his sympathies with the families of the victims and urged the state government to take all steps for the early return of the injured persons after undergoing treatment.

BJP state chief K Annamalai and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran also voiced concern over the incident.

Most of those who died were employed at the firecracker godown-cum-shop, police said, adding that efforts are being taken to ascertain the identity of the deceased.

One held; godown owner faces case

The incident occurred around 3.30 pm while firecracker cartons were being unloaded from a transport vehicle.

“Some employees were working inside the shop when the fire broke out,” SP (Bengaluru Rural) Mallikarjun Baladandi said.

“More than nine fire tenders were pressed into service, which has brought the fire under control,” he added.

The shop owner was stockpiling these crackers in view of Navaratri and Deepavali.

The blaze gutted several vehicles parked nearby.

The place where the tragedy occurred is just a few kilometres away from Tamil Nadu border.

The godown owner is also among the injured, police said. A case has been registered against him, and one person has been arrested.

(With agency inputs)