Cracker unit owner arrested

The owner of the cracker unit at Vadakampatti where four persons died and 17 others were injured in an explosion, was today arrested on charges of "grossly violating" safety measures in storing and handling of explosive chemicals in the unit.
The owner, Sumathy, had been in the cracker manufacturing business for the past 15 years, and about 50 persons were working in her unit.
District Collector L Subramanian had already ordered the cancellation of the unit's licence.
On July 7, 2009, 16 persons were killed in a blast in a cracker unit in the same area.
The cracker unit, where the explosion occurred, had proper licence from the District Revenue officer and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.PESO officials would also conduct an inquiry, sources said.

The collector said PESO officials have been asked to train the workers here.