Jubail factory fire leaves families of Mangaluru victims shell-shocked

Mangaluru, Apr 17: The families of the expatriate workers from Mangaluru region who lost their lives in a fire mishap at a petrochemical company in Saudi Arabia on Saturday were too shocked to react when the tragic news reached them.

At least 12 people including Indian expats were killed and 11 others sustained injuries after fire broke out in Jubail United Petrochemical Company plant on Saturday during routine maintenance. Among the victims four or five are said to be Mangalureans.

Groom-to-be

Little did the family members of Vincent Monteiro, who are receding at Adyarpadavu, here, know that he would be charred to death on the day when was supposed to visit his hometown.

Sources closed to the aggrieved family said that Vincent's elders had requested him to postpone the vacation for a month as they were in search of a suitable bride for him. Their plan was to arrange Vincent's wedding during the vacation.

Being the fifth among six children of Late Lawrence Monteiro and Cristina Monteiro couple, 36-year-old Vincent was away from home for past 14 years as he was working in Mumbai, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

No Eid-ul-Fitr

Another victim Mohammed Ashraf had planned to visit his home in Haleyangady during Eid-ul-Fitr which is nearly three months away.

The second among five children of late Abdul Khader and Zainabi couple, 30-year-old Ahsraf had been working as a pipe technician in Jubail for past three years.

His elder brother Mohammed Shareef was working in Saudi Arabia for the last eight years and Ashraf joined him three years ago. Even though both of them work for the same company, the elder one was in his room when the tragedy took place as he works the night shift.

In fact, Ashraf's service was regularised 11 months ago and he had visited his native in May 2015.

After hearing shocking news, his mother has fallen sick. A pall of gloom has descended on the house with neighbours visiting the family members and consoling them.

No confirmation yet

On the other hand, in Vamanjoor, the wife Balakrishina Poojary does not even know whether he is alive or dead. “Last night I received a message saying my husband is injured in fire mishap. I couldn't contact him after that,” said Lavanya. However, her neighbours said that they received information that Balakrishna breathed his last in the hospital. He was working in Saudi Arabia for the last two years.

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Mangaluru expats among 12 killed in Jubail factory fire; many critical