Probe finds anodising plant fire likely source of Tata Electronics blaze

The Tamil Nadu government has determined the 'most probable cause' for the fire that engulfed the Tata Electronics unit in Hosur, people aware of the developments told ET.

"The fire broke out in the Anodising plant because of the failure of the thermostat control in one bath," one person cited above said.

"The fire spread through the air duct and destroyed the Anodising plant completely. These were the findings of the government probe that have been shared with Tata Electronics executives as well."


Another person confirmed that prima facie, this is being viewed as the reason for the fire and added that a detailed investigation is underway. Queries sent to Tata Electronics remained unanswered as of press time on Tuesday.

As per the process, experts said that once the investigation is completed, a report will be submitted to the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) after a thorough study of the unit. However, this may take some time.

"The rubble and the debris need to be removed first in order for the study to happen," one of the people cited above said.

"Right now, the structures are unstable, and Tata Electronics is conducting its own assessment for an insurance claim, so the government will have to wait before probing further."

One person aware of the process employed by DISH said that once the report is sent to the body for approval, the body will either approve it or order a re-investigation. "About 99% of the time, the findings will be accepted unless any malafide intent is found," he said.

"Once approved, the investigation team will suggest remedial measures and DISH too could add some points."

ET had reported on Sunday that Apple's supplier responsibility (SR) team has been at the Tata Electronics facility in Hosur since September 29 to "counsel and advise" the Indian contract manufacturer that suffered a massive fire in one of its units on September 28.

Further, it was learnt that a government-related probe was also underway by the DISH to determine what set the unit ablaze.