Bangalore: A tragic incident unfolded in Bengaluru as a major fire erupted at a firecracker godown and shop in Attibele, located in Anekal taluk, claiming the lives of twelve individuals. Additionally, four people, including the shop owner, sustained burn injuries and received medical attention. Sadly, one of the injured, who suffered severe burns, has been referred to another hospital for further treatment.

The majority of the victims were employees working within the firecracker storage facility and shop. Authorities are currently working diligently to ascertain the identities of those who lost their lives in the incident. The fire erupted at approximately 3:30 pm while unloading firecracker cartons from a transport vehicle. Firefighters are actively engaged in search operations at the scene to determine if additional bodies are present. Superintendent of Police (Bengaluru Rural) Mallikarjun Baladandi provided insight into the situation, stating, "Some employees were working inside the shop when the fire broke out. We have recovered 13 charred bodies from the spot so far. All these bodies have been shifted to the hospital. Search operations are still underway to ascertain if there are more bodies inside the gutted shop."

He further explained that numerous fire engines were deployed to the scene, and the fire has now been brought under control. Initial investigations revealed that approximately 12 to 15 people were present in the shop when the fire erupted. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory team have conducted an examination at the site, but the precise cause of the fire is still under verification. Efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of individuals who were inside the shop during the incident, with information being gathered from the injured and the family members of the employees. Authorities are also working towards identifying the deceased victims, and there remains a possibility of recovering more bodies as search operations continue.

The godown had stored firecrackers worth several lakhs for the upcoming Deepavali festival, which ignited and began to explode during the fire. The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to visit the site to assess the situation. Expressing his condolences, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared on social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter) in Kannada, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news that 12 people died in a fire accident that broke out in a firecracker store near Anekal, Bengaluru urban district. I am going to visit the accident site tomorrow and inspect it. My condolences to the family of the deceased workers."

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