Five burnt alive in fire accident in Eluru

Eluru, April 14: Five persons were burnt alive in a major fire accident at Porus Laboratories in Akkireddy Gudem village in Eluru district during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. Another person died on his way to hospital and 13 others received severe burn injuries.

According to police, the accident occurred due to gas leakage in unit-4. Four among the deceased belong to Bihar. The injured were shifted to Nuziveedu hospital and from there rushed to GGH in Vijayawada for better treatment.

Fire fighters rushed to the spot soon after learning the mishap and controlled the fire after some time.

Victims informed that there were 150 workers in the industry at the time of the accident. They alleged that the accident took place due to the negligence of the management. 

Vijayawada GGH Superintendent said that the victims are undergoing treatment in ICU. 12 persons received more than 80 per cent burn injuries and their condition is critical, he informed.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed severe anguish over the fire accident in a chemical industry in Eluru. He extended condolences to the bereaved families.

The CM announced Rs 25 lakh ex gratia each to the families of the deceased, Rs 5 lakh to those severely injured and Rs 2 lakh to the injured. He directed the District Collector and SP to conduct an enquiry over the fire mishap. He ordered the medical officials to provide treatment to the injured.