In a horrific accident in the early hours of Sunday, eight individuals comprising three women and a one-and-a-half-year-old boy died when their textile mill in Maharashtra’s Solapur district caught fire. The accident took place at Central Textile Mills on Akkalkot Road within the MIDC industrial estate about 400 km from Mumbai.
Suspected Short Circuit Triggers Deadly Blaze
The fire is said to have started at about 3:45 am, likely caused by a short circuit. The fire engulfed the factory compound quite fast, giving the occupants little time to get out.
Among the victims were the owner of the factory, Haji Usman Hasanbhai Mansuri, and three members of his family, one being his young grandson. Four other fatalities, said to be factory workers, also lost their lives in the accident. Officials confirmed that three women were among the dead.
Firefighters Take Hours to Control Blaze
The fire was massive, and it took Fire Brigade personnel almost five to six hours to get the fire in control. “Because of the intensity of the fire, our staff had to work day and night for hours. Operations to douse the fire are still going on at the site,” a local official explained.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed. However, officials suspect that a short circuit may have triggered the devastating blaze. Investigations are currently underway. Authorities are expected to release more details after completing a thorough inspection of the site.
Authorities Vow to Assist the Affected Families
This tragic accident has left shock waves in the Solapur industrial belt. The local authorities have offered condolences to the bereaved families and promised them every possible help. Safety measures at the industrial units in the region are bound to be questioned once again after this accident.
Further developments are awaited as the emergency operation and the investigation go on.
