Chennai: A major fire broke out in a perfume factory on GST road at Chromepet on Thursday afternoon. While no casualties have been reported, neighbourhood residents complained of eye irritation due to release of chemicals after the fire broke out.
At around 4.30 pm, smoke started to engulf the factory and all the 70 workers inside the factory rushed out in shock.
As soon as the smoke started to rise, a fire broke out and all the cylinders present in the factory started to burst one after another. Three fire engines from Tambaram and Guindy immediately rushed to the spot but were unable to put off the fire as the cylinders continued to burst making the fire bigger.
Two more fire engines were then called from Ashok Nagar and Teynampet. However, only after two hours were the fire fighters able to put off the fire. On investigation, the fire department found out that an electric short circuit was the cause of the fire.
Residents protested against the factory, Mearsk Meyyur Aeromedic India Private Limited, demanding that the factory be shifted to another area as the chemicals were affecting them.
Many residents complained of their eyes and skin smarting after the fire.
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