Kanpur Dehat factory fire: Death toll rises to six, two arrested

The death toll in a devastating fire at a foam mattress factory in Kanpur Dehat on Saturday morning has risen to six.

While the charred bodies of three workers were recovered on Saturday evening, three others died during treatment in Kanpur and Lucknow on Sunday.

Following the incident, the fire chief filed a complaint of manslaughter and gross negligence against four people associated with the factory management. Police arrested two of them in connection with the case.

Chief Financial Officer Krishna Kumar said the FIR has been filed against Reena Agarwal, director of RP Poly Plast Pvt. Ltd., and her son Shishir Garg, and Shashank Garg. The plant was shut down by the authorities following the tragedy.

SP Kanpur Dehat, BBTGS Murthy said a large tin shed collapsed during the fire, prompting firefighters and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to help in its removal.

Earlier, three bodies were recovered from the rubble, identified by family members as Prashun, 18, of Sujaur; Lavkush, 20, of Anantapur; and Manoj, 17, of Mudra Shahi.

On Sunday, Amit, 28, Ajit, 16, both from Anantapur, and Vishal, 29, from Jariha, succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment in Kanpur and Lucknow, he said.

The authorities have closed the factory due to safety violations. Police have arrested Shashank Garg and Shishir Garg, residents of Tilaknagar in Kanpur. Further action will be taken based on complaints filed by the victims’ families, Murthy said.