Fireworks unit fire toll increases to eight

: The toll in the fire at a fireworks unit at nearby Naranapuram has risen to eight, with three of the injured succumbing at a hospital today.

Police said the three injured persons, admitted to the government hospital at Sivakasi, died today without responding to treatment.

The fire at the unit yesterday had charred to death five workers including three women, all of whom were in

All of them had been working in the unit when the fire broke out and spread quickly.

The flames were doused by fire fighting units from Virudhunagar and other areas.

Police had launched a search for the factory owner, who is absconding.