Virudhnagar District, Tamil Nadu, February 18, 2024 – A devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhnagar district on Saturday evening resulted in at least nine fatalities and left ten others injured. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm in the chemical mixing room of the firecracker factory in the village.
The toll was initially reported as eight deaths and ten injuries, with the cause of the explosion yet to be determined. However, later reports, quoting PTI, confirmed that ten people, including four women, lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Visuals following the explosion depicted extensive damage to the entire infrastructure, revealing the severe impact of the blast on the firecracker industrial unit. Virudhunagar District Collector Jeyaseelan provided updates, stating, “The accident took place around noon today. Nine people have died, and three are in critical condition. The injured have been admitted to Sivakasi Hospital.”
Jeyaseelan further mentioned that the factory possessed a valid license, and a detailed inquiry led by the District Revenue Officer had been initiated. Multiple teams, comprising the police, fire department, labour welfare department, and revenue department, were formed to investigate the incident and prevent future accidents.
Rescue operations were immediately launched at the site, with ambulances present to attend to the injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed State Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Labour Minister C V Ganesan to coordinate rescue and relief activities. The Chief Minister offered his condolences to the bereaved families and announced a solatium of ₹3 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to the seriously injured. The rescue efforts continue, and authorities are focused on providing support to the affected families during this distressing time.
