Twenty-three workers were killed and several others injured in a massive explosion at a private fireworks manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district on Sunday, state Revenue Minister KK S.R. Ramachandran said.
President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister M K Stalin were among those who offered condolences over the deaths.
“So far, 23 people have died. Six injured people are currently undergoing treatment at the government hospital in the area,” he told reporters after inspecting the accident site with his colleague Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu.
According to a senior official of the Fire and Rescue Department, the explosion occurred around 3.30 pm when around 30 people were working at a fireworks unit, Vanaja Fireworks, at Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar.
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The incident is believed to have occurred in the front porch area, where workers were allegedly handling raw materials and putting the finishing touches on the firecrackers. The impact of the explosion was so severe that at least three rooms were reduced to rubble, and several nearby buildings were completely leveled.
While rescue operations were underway at the accident site, another explosion at the factory created a state of panic. One firefighter in the area was seriously injured, officials said.
Initial investigations indicate that the unit holds a license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), Nagpur. More than 100 workers were reportedly engaged in work at the complex.
The incident comes days after a similar explosion in the Vembakottai area of the same district, which claimed the lives of four people.
President Murmu offered his condolences
President Murmu expressed his condolences, saying, “The loss of lives in a tragic accident that occurred at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is very sad. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Prime Minister Modi also described the incident as “very sad”. He said in a post on the X website: “I offer my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I hope those affected recover as soon as possible.”
CM Stalin said he had instructed Ramachandran and Thinarasu to rush to the spot and monitor the rescue operations. “The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the fireworks factory explosion that took place in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district, causes great sadness. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” he said in a post on X.
“I have issued instructions to District Collector Nou Sukaputra and asked them to coordinate all necessary assistance,” he added.
“We were engaged in election-related work. After hearing the news about this incident and following the Prime Minister’s instructions, we canceled everything and met the injured at the hospital. We gave adequate instructions to the hospital authorities regarding treatment of the injured,” Ramachandran said.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran also expressed their condolences.
“I express my deepest condolences and grief to the families of those who died,” Palaniswami said.
District Collector Sukaputra said that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
“After the investigation, we will know what happened. If there are any violations, we will take action against the owner,” he said. In response to a query, he stated that a complaint has been registered at Vachakakarapatti police station and the factory’s license will be cancelled.
District SP N Shreenatha said strict legal action will be taken against the factory owner. Four special teams search for the escaped unit owner.
The factory management has not yet issued a statement.
The Sukaputra Collector said that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. “After the investigation, we will know what happened. If there are any violations, we will take action against the owner,” he said.
“This is an unfortunate incident,” he noted.
Responding to a query, Sukhaputra said that a complaint has been registered at Vachakakarapatti police station and the factory’s license will be cancelled.
