Sattur blast toll rises to 19, lessee arrested
The death toll in a massive explosion, which occurred at a cracker unit in Achankulam near Sattur in Virudhunagar district on Friday, rose to 19.
The accidental explosion cost 17 lives on Friday and two more identified as Gopal (30) of Padarnthal, Sattur taluk and Packiyaraj succumbed to burns on Saturday.
Ponnupandi (20), lessee of the unit, has been arrested by Elayirampannai police. Besides, 34 victims lie injured in the horrific aftermath of the explosion, sources said.
Virudhunagar Collector R Kannan said the injured victims are under treatment in hospitals at Sivakasi, Sattur, Kovilpatti and Madurai GRH.
However, inspection reports have been sought from Revenue officials and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (Peso) to initiate necessary action.
Sattur Revenue Divisional Officer M Kasiselvi said the condition of many of those wounded in the explosion is critical with severe burns. Sixteen bodies have been identified, while three bodies were charred beyond recognition.
The unit owner Santhanamari, who’s absconding, leased out the unit to one person, who sub-leased to four others, who also face charges, in the case.
As of now, victim compensation of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 50,000 as assistance for funeral rites to each of the deceased victim’s families was given from the factory side, the RDO said.
Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives K Sundaresan, Sivakasi, said a three-member team has launched inquiries following the explosion and action would be taken based on reports in a day or two.
The unit was functional under Peso license obtained from Nagpur.
As per norms, only two workers should be allowed inside a small concrete room with a limit of holding five kilos of chemicals for manufacturing crackers and four workers under a shed with a maximum holding capacity of 25 kilos of chemicals for production. It’s one of a few major explosions reported in Virudhunagar district over the years. There’s a huge explosion that rocked Muthalipatti village in Sivakasi on September 5, 2012 and claimed 59 human lives, Sundaresan recalled.
Elayirampannai police booked a case against six persons including owner of the unit, Santhanamari under Sections 308, 304 (ii), 109, 19 (b) of IPC read with 9B1 (a) of Indian Explosives Act.
