"was charred to death in a fire accident....."

The proliferation of illegal or unlicensed aluminium factories is a growing problem. These “factories” usually employ only a few people. They are set up in homes, garages, or buildings without the approval of the local government. Most of the factories have lax or minimal safety procedures. When an incident occurs workers commonly are killed or injured. Worst yet, nearby residents unaware of the hazard that is hidden can also get injured or killed. Here is a recent story of the danger these illegal factories can have:

An Indian newspaper reported that a 27 year-old worker, was charred to death in a fire accident reported in an unlicensed unit manufacturing aluminium powder in Southern India.

Deputy Superintendent of Police said that the police said that the fire had been reported around 2 AM in the small shed in which the worker was running a small scale unit for converting aluminium scrap into aluminium powder. Aluminium powder is mixed with magnesium for preparing chemicals used for making sparklers.

He added that “This unit had not got any explosive license from authorities concerned and was being illegally run.”

When the worker was staying inside the shed where aluminium powder was stocked fire had broken out.

Alerted by the owner of the shed, he attempted to put out the fire in vain.

The police and fire service personnel who came to know about the fire arrived at the scene only after day break. The DSP added that “Fire service personnel have put out the flames using sand. The area could be cooled down only on Thursday.”

We offer our sincere condolences to the deceased individual’s family, and friends.

Though this story occurred in India we have noted similar incidents around the world. Most local governments will shut down illegal factories if they become known. Unfortunately many local residents do not tell the local government of their existence. We pray that these factories cease to exist and the never ending incidents cease once and for all.

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