A massive blast ripped through a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district on Sunday, killing at least 23 people and leaving six others with grievous injuries.
According to the police, the blast occurred at the 'Vanaja' fireworks factory owned by one Muthumanickam, in Kattanarpatti village of the district, leaving at least 18 people dead, while four of the six injured are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.
What happened at Tamil Nadu firecracker factory?
As per preliminary investigations, the explosion is believed to have originated in the front veranda area, where around workers were reportedly handling raw materials and giving finishing to the firecrackers. The impact of the blast was so severe that at least three rooms were reduced to rubble, and several adjacent structures were completely levelled.
The firecracker unit unit reportedly holds a license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur, and over 100 labourers were reportedly engaged in work in the complex when the explosion took place.
How many victims died so far?
Police said they have recovered 23 bodies so far, many of which were charred beyond recognition, and the sex of the victims is yet to be ascertained. Among the six injured, three are women and have sustained 60 per cent burn injuries, they said.
Following the blast, fire and rescue services personnel battled the flames for several hours, but rescue operations were significantly hampered as crackers continued to burst long after the initial explosion. Officials fear more workers may be trapped beneath the debris, and the death toll may rise.
The incident marks the deadliest industrial accident in the region this year, and comes just days after a similar blast in the Vembakottai area of the same district that claimed four lives.
What did Tamil Nadu CM say?
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his sorrow and said he rushed two ministers to the site to expedite rescue operations.
"The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker unit explosion that occurred in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," Stalin wrote on X.
"I have requested Ministers K K S S R Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families," he added.
"Upon learning of this accident, I have contacted the district collector and instructed him to coordinate all necessary assistance," he further said.