Worker burnt alive in fire at Belagavi factory, body parts found in lift

BELAGAVI: A 20-year-old worker was burnt alive after a massive fire engulfed the Sneham factory, which manufactures adhesive and insulation tapes at Navage in Belagavi on Tuesday evening. The worker’s body was extricated after firefighters and SDRF personnel fought the blaze for 16 hours amid pouring rain.

Three workers who sustained injuries have been admitted to hospital. The factory owners have announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased Yellappa Gundyagol and a job for a family member. This is apart from the government compensation.

Yellappa Gundyagol, who was missing since the fire broke out, was found dead on Wednesday afternoon in an elavator. The fire was so intense that firefighters and SDRF men had to break the factory walls at some places to access the flames. On receiving information, Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang and Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan visited the spot.

Factory owner Aneesh Maitrani said they had followed all fire safety measures, but was not sure what caused the fire. The factory employs over 400 people and about 150 workers were present for the second shift when the fire broke out.