Kochi (Kerala) | Ernakulam District Collector G Priyanka on Friday ordered financial and other assistance for the family of a Bihar native who died in a fire at an oil company here, officials said.

The order was issued after a special meeting was convened to assess the situation following the blaze at Cee Jee Lubricants in the Edayar industrial area, which claimed the life of Shathrukan Mukhiya (42) on Thursday.

The Collector said the company management has been directed to provide immediate financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the deceased worker's family, bear the educational expenses of his children, and offer a job to his wife if she is willing.

She said steps would also be taken to ensure that all statutory benefits and compensation are provided to the family.

The Collector stated that the police have been instructed to investigate possible lapses on the part of the company, noting that prima facie shortcomings were evident.

To prevent such incidents, she said joint inspections of similar industrial units in the district will be carried out by the departments concerned within the next 10 days.

Officials from various departments and representatives of the company attended the meeting held at the Collectorate.