At least 18 people were reportedly killed while six others sustained serious injuries at a massive firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar, police said on Sunday, news agency PTI reported.
The blast took place at Muthumanickam-owned ‘Vanaja’ fireworks factory at Kattanarpatti near Virudhnagar. The place is located within Vachakarapatti police station limits.
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Citing police and paramedics, the report said at least four of the six injured are currently in a critical condition and are being treated at the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.
Initial investigations revealed that the unit has a license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), Nagpur, and more than 100 laborers were involved in the work at the complex.
The blast is believed to have originated from the front porch of the factory where workers were allegedly handling raw material and finishing the firecrackers. According to the report, the impact of the explosion was so strong that at least three rooms were reduced to rubble, while several adjacent structures were completely razed to the ground.
Speaking to PTI, a police official said, “We have recovered 18 bodies so far, many of which were charred beyond recognition,” adding that of the six injured, three are women and have suffered more than 60 percent burns.
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Rescue operations were hampered
According to sources, the fire and rescue services battled the flames for several hours, with rescue operations greatly hampered as the crackers continued to burst long after the initial explosion. Authorities fear more workers may be trapped under the debris.
As the search and rescue operation continues, further details are awaited.
The incident is the deadliest industrial accident in the region this year. It comes just days after a similar blast in the Vembakottai area of the same district claimed four lives.
Leaders condole the loss of life
Expressing his grief, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said he has rushed two ministers to the spot to speed up rescue operations. In a post on X, he wrote, “The tragic news of the death of several people in a firecracker unit blast that occurred at Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district is causing immense grief. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.”
He added, “I have requested KKSSR ministers Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasa to rush to the spot immediately to speed up and monitor rescue operations and provide solace to the affected families.”
Further, Stalin said he had contacted the District Collector and directed him to coordinate all necessary assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences. In a post on X, his office wrote: “The accident that occurred in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. My deepest condolences to those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. I pray for a speedy recovery from the injuries.”
Meanwhile, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X: “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the firecracker factory explosion at Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. They were laborers who left home in the morning to earn a living for their families. All my thoughts are with the bereaved families for a speedy recovery.”
Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Tamil Nadu opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also condoled the loss of life but also criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the accident. In a post on X, he wrote, “The news of more than 15 people losing their lives in a firecracker factory explosion at Kattanapatti near Virudhunagar comes with deep shock and grief.”
He added, “In the last five years under the DMK regime, firecracker factory accidents and loss of life have become a recurring saga. Despite my constant pointing out, the DMK government under Stalin did not take any steps to ensure the safety of firecracker factories. Instead, they just conducted a photo shoot in a shiny room under the guise of a firecracker factory.”
Key things
- The explosion highlights ongoing safety concerns in the firecracker industry.
- Political leaders are calling for accountability and better safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
- Rescue actions reveal the dangers faced by workers in hazardous environments.
