Madurai, July 08: Sixteen people were burnt to death and more than 25 others suffered serious injuries when a major fire raged through a fireworks factory and godown at Vadakkampatti near Madurai on Wednesday.
Eight persons died on the spot while others succumbed to the burn injuries either on way to or at hospitals, officials told PTI.
Eight fire tenders battled the fire for around four hours to control the raging blaze. It was brought under control at around 11 p.m.
The fire brigade and police officials said the exact number of casualties would be known only after the fire was extinguished.
Non-availability of water in the vicinity also made the job tough, the officials said, adding they had to bring water from a nearby tank delaying the fire fighting.
The cause of the fire, however, was not yet known.
–PTI