Fire at sago factory: 10 hospitalised in Salem
A fire at a sago factory in Salem, India, resulted in ten people being hospitalized for breathing difficulties after chlorine powder caught fire. Authorities believe a short circuit caused the incident, and all victims are currently in stable condition.
Why it matters
The incident highlights industrial safety concerns and the risks associated with chemical storage in small-scale manufacturing facilities.
Ten people, including a firefighter, were admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties following a fire at a sago factory near Attur in Salem district on Sunday evening.
Police said around 7 p.m., a fire broke out at the factory and spread to a room where 17 bags of chlorine powder, used for cleaning tanks in the factory, were stored. The factory belonged to K. Ravi (45), a resident of Sathasivapuram near Attur.
On noticing the fire, factory workers alerted the Attur Fire and Rescue Services and attempted to douse the flames. However, thick smoke emanating from the room caused several workers to experience breathing difficulties, with some fainting.
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