One killed, 27 seriously injured in factory fire

Belgaum, May 5 (UNI) One person was killed and 34 others suffered severe burn injuries following a blast at Riddhi Siddhi Starch Factory at Gokak, about 70 kms from here last night.

The explosion took place at maze starch plant and a major part of the factory was gutted in the fire. The fire fighters brought the fire under control after a few hours of operation. The reason for the explosion was still not known. In all 42 employees were working in that unit when the explosion took place, police said.

While 27 persons were admitted to KLE Hospital here, seven others were being treated in Gokak. A KLE hospital official said that their condition was serious as many of them had received third degree burns. The Company officials present at KLE hospital refused to comment on the incident.

Speaking to UNI Additional SP S K Hegde said officials from Electricity department, Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers were at the site to investigate the cause of explosion. They would submit a report later today, he added.

UNI