3 women, 1 minor killed in candle factory fire

Dhule (IANS) | Three women and a minor girl were charred to death and two others injured in a sudden fire at a candle-making factory in Maharashtra’s Nizampur area, officials said here on Tuesday. The tragedy occurred in the afternoon when the victims were working at the factory, which manufactures special twinkling candles that are popular for birthday celebrations and other occasions.

Unfortunately, three women and a minor working there suffered burn injuries and two others were seriously injured in the incident, said Superintendent of Police Dhule Sanjay Barkund. The injured have been taken to a specialized hospital in Nandurbar district. According to the police, the victims have been identified as Asha B. Bhagwat, Rajshree B. Bhagwat, Naina S. Mali and Sindhu D. Rajput.

In the preliminary investigation, the cause of the accident is being told as a short-circuit, the police have detained a suspect for questioning in the matter. Local eyewitnesses said that the fire quickly spread from liquid wax and other flammable materials and that the victims did not have time to run to safety. The victims were shouting for help but the flames did not allow other people to come inside to help them.

The Dhule police is also ascertaining whether the unit was authorized and had proper fire fighting and other safety measures in place. On getting information about the accident, top officials of the district and police reached the village to take stock of the incident and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

–IANS