Eight killed in fire at textile manufacturing unit in Maharashtra's Solapur

Mumbai: At least eight people were killed in a devastating fire in a textile manufacturing unit in Akkalkot in the Solapur district of Maharashtra on Sunday.

According to reports, a short circuit seems to have triggered the blaze at Central Textile Mills situated on the Akkalkot Road in Solapur MIDC area. 

The deceased individuals include the factory owner, identified as Haji Usman Hasanbhai Mansuri, three members of his family including his one-and-a-half-year old grandson, and four workers.

A probe has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. A fire-fighter also sustained burn injuries. 

The fire broke out in the wee hours and was doused only after 5-6 hours, reports said. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the state Home Minister, spoke to Solapur district administration and police officials, to review the situation. 

“The incident of 8 people dying in a fire at a textile unit on Akkalkot Road in Solapur is very tragic. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. We share in the grief of their families,” he said.

Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Condoling the deaths, President Droupadi Murmu said, “The news of the death of many people due to a factory fire in Solapur, Maharashtra is extremely painful. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condoling the deaths, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those who were injured.

“Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Solapur, Maharashtra. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” Modi said.