Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (MS)
Beltangady, Jan 30: Ravi D Channannavar, deputy inspector general of police for fire and emergency services, visited the Solid Fireworks factory where a massive blast occurred on Sunday evening, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives.
The blast was so intense that body parts were scattered across a 70-meter area, requiring extensive search efforts by the police until early Monday morning. The mortal remains have been shifted to a private hospital in Mangaluru. Swami alias Kunhi alias Narayana K's remains were handed over to his family, while the other two victims, Chethan and Varghese, could not be identified due to the severity of the explosion. Their identification awaits DNA test verification before being handed over to their families.
Initial findings suggest the presence of gunpowder-type raw materials at the site, although no traces of gelatine were found. The forensic team is exploring the possibility of potassium chloride or potassium nitrate usage to intensify the firecrackers, potentially causing the explosion during loading. The use of naked lights in the premises is also being investigated. Further details will emerge through forensic examinations.
A recent inspection by Venur police revealed that the facility, licensed for firecracker manufacturing, lacked adequate fire and safety precautions. The godown's construction using normal stone and cement sheet, instead of a minimum half-meter thick wall, raised concerns. The labour force, except for Varghese, lacked the necessary skills.
The factory's license permitted the storage of 15 kg of gunpowder, but over 100 kg was found on-site. The facility, owned by Syed Basheer, had been manufacturing firecrackers for generations, supplying them to large fairs and functions. The tragic incident occurred while labourers were assembling crackers for various events, including one in Mysuru.
Dr Girish K S, senior scientific officer of Mangaluru regional forensic laboratory, and his team collected more than 85 samples from the blast site.
After more than half an hour of gathering information, DIG Channannavar stated, "I have inspected the explosion site. A special investigating team, including Dakshina Kannada SP, is handling the case. Precautionary measures will be taken to shut down similar manufacturing units, and new licenses will not be issued for facilities that fail to adhere to safety rules."