Eight dead as cracker shed blows up

SHORNUR - Eight people died and five were injured after a cracker factory shed near here blew up when a fire broke out Tuesday, officials said.

“I have been told by my officials that the cracker factor shed belonged to a man called Kunhikannan and he had a licence till 2008, which was not renewed. I am not aware if this cracker shed had a licence in some other name,” Palakkad’s District Collector Mohankumar said.

Sunu, an eyewitness, said around 25 people were working in the shed at the time of the incident.

Local legislator C.P. Mohammed said he was informed of a loud booming sound by the locals.

“Later, it was found that the sound came from the crackers factory at around 4.30 p.m. and the sound was heard miles away. I am told the fire is being doused by the fire department, police and locals. The rescue operations are being hampered because the crackers are still exploding,” said Mohammed.

Police said the exact number of casualties can be known only after the fire is doused.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.