Bengaluru, Oct 12 (IANS): With another victim succumbing to his burn injuries, the death toll in the tragic firecracker incident which occurred in Attibele on the outskirts of Bengaluru increased to 16 on Thursday.

The latest victim Venkatesh, a resident of Garvebavipalya near Bommanahalli, had gone to the ill-fated Balaji Traders shop to buy crackers for his friend’s birthday celebrations.

He suffered severe burn injuries and passed away on Thursday at the Saint John’s Hospital in Bengaluru.

Venkatesh had suffered 50 per cent burn injuries.

At least 13 people were burnt to death after a fire broke out at the firecracker shop-cum-godown on October 7.

The death toll was raised to 15 later.

The tragedy occurred while the crackers were being unloaded from the canter and soon the fire had spread to the godown and stall.

In response to the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had suspended three officials -- Tehsildar, Circle Police Inspector and Regional Fire Officer.