Five burnt to death as factory catches fire in AP

Four employees were burnt to death and five others sustained burns after a major fire broke out at a factory in Jeedimetla area on the city outskirts this morning, police said.

Four employees were burnt to death and five others sustained burns after a major fire broke out at a factory in Jeedimetla area on the city outskirts this morning, police said.

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The fire broke out at the drug factory (intermediary of pharmacy units) at about 7.30 am, following an explosion in
one of the chemical reactors and spread to other parts of the unit, they said.

Some employees who were working near a distillery were suddenly caught in the flames, they said.

Nine fire engines were rushed to the scene and the blazing flames were brought under control at about 11 am, Fire Department officials said.

"Four persons were burnt to death on the spot and five others sustained injuries out of which the condition of three is serious. About 16 employees were working at the premises when the mishap occurred," Alwal Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police M Shiva Prasad said.

The deceased were identified as Narasimha, a supervisor, Swamy, an operator and two labourers Ramana and Raju, the police officer said.

The unit was being run illegally and it did not have a valid license, the officer said, adding, "We will take serious
action against the owners/management of the unit."

Two officials of the factory were taken into custody while two others were absconding after the incident.