Hyderabad: Four charred to death in factory fire

Hyderabad: Four persons were burnt to death and five others sustained injuries on Sunday after a major fire broke out at an "illegal" factory on the city outskirts, police said.

The fire broke out at the drug factory (intermediary of pharmacy units) in Jeedimetla area at about 7.30 am following an explosion in a chemical reactor. It soon spread to other parts of the unit.

Some employees working near a distillery were suddenly caught in the flames, they said.

"Four persons were burnt to death on the spot and five others sustained injuries out of which the condition of three is serious. About 16 employees were working on the premises when the mishap occurred," Alwal Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police M Shiva Prasad said.

Nine fire engines were rushed to the scene and the flames were brought under control at about 11 am, fire department officials said.

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The deceased were identified as Narasimha, a supervisor, Swamy, an operator and two labourers Ramana and Raju, police said.

"The unit was being run illegally and it did not have a valid licence," Prasad said, adding, "We will take serious action against the owners/management of the unit."

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Two officials of the factory were taken into custody while two others were absconding after the incident.