SIVAKASI (TN): The police arrested six persons on Thursday in connection with the devastating fire at a cracker manufacturing unit at Mudhalipatti that killed 39 persons with three more persons succumbing to burns.

The police have launched a hunt for two more persons, including the owner of Om Sakthi Fire Works at Mudhalipatti near Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district.

The arrested were identified as R Paul Pandi (30) of Periyar Colony in Thiruthangal, his brothers R Mahendran (28), R Pandithurai (24), foreman in the factory U Udayakumar (31) and two others S Srikanth and S Annadurai, also residing at Periyar Colony.

Three more persons succumbed to burn injuries today, taking the the toll to 39, district revenue officer R Raju said.

Paul Pandi had taken the firecracker unit on lease from owner Murugesan who is on the run. "Special teams have been formed to nab him," said a police officer.

Police have slapped cases under IPC sections 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosives), 337, 338 (causing hurt), 304A (causing death by negligence), 9 B (1a) of the Indian Explosives Act and Sec 5 of Explosive Substances Act.

Police said they have taken into custody Paul Pandi and his brother Mahendran from the spot on Wednesday itself and were arrested. However, other workers fled from the place after the blast. Based on the information provided by Paul Pandi the remaining four were arrested.

Paul Pandi had reportedly confessed that in a hurry to complete the orders and make as much crackers as possible before officials enforce the cancellation of the company's licence had employed workers exceeding the permissible limit. He had also urged the workers to hasten the process in the cracker unit.

The revenue officials meanwhile have embarked on relief distribution to the victims' families. "We will complete distribution of relief in two days," said collector Hariharan.