Government authorities to investigate fire at Tata Plant making components for Apple iPhones

Tata Plant Fire: The government authorities are set to launch a forensic investigation into a fire that broke out on Saturday at a Tata Electronics factory in Tamil Nadu, which manufactures components for Apple iPhones. 

The factory, located in Hosur, observed a weekly holiday on Sunday and is unlikely to receive state approval to resume production by Monday, according to two sources familiar with the situation.

 Earlier, Tata Electronics stated that it is conducting its own investigation into the cause of the fire and will implement measures to protect employees and stakeholders.

This incident adds to a series of challenges that have affected Apple ’s suppliers in India. The US-based tech giant has been diversifying its supply chain beyond China, identifying India as both a key manufacturing hub and a growing market.

According to local fire officials, the blaze started in an area where chemicals were stored. The fire has been "completely extinguished," and fumes have subsided, according to KM Sarayu, a district administrative official. 

Two workers who were hospitalised due to the incident are expected to be discharged by Sunday, Sarayu added. 

A forensic team from Chennai has been dispatched to carry out a detailed investigation. It remains unclear whether surrounding buildings were impacted, including one scheduled to begin iPhone assembly by the end of this year.

(With Reuters Inputs)