Anekal: In a tragic incident, twelve people lost their lives in a major fire that broke out at a firecracker outlet during the unloading process here at Attibele on Saturday.

The incident occurred when a fire broke out accidently at the cracker outlet during the unloading process, the outlet is reported to be owned by an Individual named Naveen. In response, the fire brigade personnel who reached the spot successfully brought the fire under control, following which upon inspection the personnel found twelve dead bodies inside the store.

The fire which initially started at one of the shops rapidly spread to the others in the surrounding area, reportedly damaging 4-5 shops.

It has been learnt that the outlet had an inventory of firecrackers valued at approximately 5 crores, with around 30-40 people working there. Eyewitnesses reportedly claim that several escaped the accident unhurt as they swiftly came out of the shop from the back door. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.

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Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.

He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.

"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.

Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.

Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.

Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.

Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.