Factory fire in northern India kills 9

Factory fire in northern India kills 9

2012-02-10 20:14:27 GMT+7 (ICT)

HARIDWAR, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- At least nine people were killed on early Thursday morning when a fire broke out at a factory in northern India, local media reported on Friday. Several others were injured.

The incident happened on early Thursday morning when polystyrene sheets caught fire at a factory in the Libberhadi industrial area in Mandavali village, which is located near the city of Roorkee in the state of Uttarakhand.

According to the Tribune News, the blaze began when sparks coming from iron girders being molded by a machine hit the polystyrene sheets, which are also known as styrofoam or thermocol. The sheets were lying near workers who were carrying out molding work.

With strong winds intensifying the flames, emergency teams and firefighters were not able to put out the fire until around 2 a.m. local time. As a result of the fire, nine workers were confirmed killed while six others were reported injured.

An investigation has been ordered by Haridwar District Magistrate D Senthyl Pendiyan, who also recommended compensation for the victims in accordance with factory laws. Meanwhile, Chief Minister BC Khanduri expressed deep shock over the tragic incident.

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