The burning firecracker godown in Attibele
Credit: Special Arrangement
At least 12 people died Saturday in a massive blaze at a firecracker godown in Attibele near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border on the southern outskirts of Bengaluru, officials said.
The incident occurred around 3:30 pm while workers were unloading firecrackers from a lorry and two mini-goods vehicles into Shree Balaji Traders, a wholesale firecracker dealer located less than 500 metres from the Attibele border checkpost.
The firecrackers had been transported from Tamil Nadu's fireworks hub of Sivakasi ahead of Diwali.
While the exact cause of the blaze remains unclear, a senior official in the Fire and Emergency Services Department suspected that firecrackers stocked in the three vehicles came in contact with a high-tension overhead electric line.
Ramesh, who runs an emission testing centre across the road, said he heard a sudden sound of firecrackers and ran out to see what had happened. "The godown was up in flames," he said. "Many workers from Tamil Nadu were inside at the time."
He also saw the godown owner, Naveen Reddy, rush out and go back in hurriedly. "Looks like he wanted to retrieve cash left behind," Ramesh said.
But Reddy came out almost instantly. This time he had suffered burns, and was taken to hospital by locals, Ramesh said.
Ramesh further said that four people from inside the godown managed to escape unhurt. "Since the sound of crackers bursting was loud, no one heard the cries of those inside," he added. When the news spread, several people from Tamil Nadu, who were related to the dead, reached the hospital, he said.
Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baldandi told DH some others ran out as the fire broke out. "We are ascertaining their details."
B R Ravikanthe Gowda, IGP (Central Range), told reporters that 12 people were confirmed dead while one person was missing. "Many bodies are charred. Only once their relatives arrive can we ascertain their identities. Hence, their names have been temporarily withheld. Twelve people are confirmed dead. One more person is said to be missing – that is being probed," he added.
Soon after the blaze, a thick blanket of smoke engulfed the area and drew hundreds of onlookers. This resulted in a traffic jam on the busy Hosur Road, the key arterial road for southern and southeastern Bengaluru. Traffic police were working overtime to clear the vehicular movement until press-time.
Apart from rescue workers, forensic experts and scene of crime officers arrived at the location.
Police are awaiting a report from the FSL to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was pained by the tragedy and would visit the accident spot on Sunday for an inspection.
Credit: X/@CMofKarnataka
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said 13 of those who died in the accident hailed from the state. He rushed Food Minister R Sakkarapani and Health Minister Ma Subramanian to Bengaluru to monitor the situation and help the victims' families.
Krishnagiri district collector and superintendent of police rushed to the spot immediately.
Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena spoke to his Karnataka counterpart on Saturday evening, requesting medical treatment for those injured in the accident, Stalin said.
Tamil Nadu also announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh to families of those who died, Rs 1 lakh to those with grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 to people who suffered simple injuries.