Tamil Nadu blast: 7 killed in firecracker explosion in Sivakasi

Seven workers, including five women, were killed while three others sustained injuries in a blast at a fireworks-manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi on Thursday.

The incident unfolded in the town of Sivakasi, renowned as India’s fireworks hub, when fire engulfed a private firecracker manufacturing unit located at Sengamalapatti near Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district.

Police and fire service personnel rushed to the scene to initiate rescue operations and evacuated the injured to the government hospital.

According to a senior police official, the condition of one of the injured individuals is reported to be critical.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Reports suggest that around ten workers were present at the manufacturing unit at the time of the explosion.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin extended condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased workers and said relief aid would be provided with the approval of the Election Commission.

“I have immediately contacted the District Collector of Virudhunagar and instructed them to carry out the rescue operations as soon as possible and have also directed to ensure that the injured get proper treatment,” he posted on X.

Sivakasi has witnessed several such mishaps over the years.

In February, 10 people including four women were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed condolence over the deaths and announced that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased.

“It is with a heavy heart that I learnt about a mishap at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district. During this difficult time, my thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have tragically passed away. I wish a swift and full recovery for all who have been injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).