10 killed in blast at Tamil Nadu fireworks unit

Virudhunagar, February 17

Ten persons, including four women, were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory in this district on Saturday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin directed two state ministers to coordinate the rescue and relief activities.

PM Narendra Modi expressed condolence over the deaths in the mishap in Virudhunagar district and announced that an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased.

The Chief Minister said a sudden explosion in a firecracker manufacturing unit at Kundayiruppu village in Vembakottai resulted in the death of 10 persons.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said: “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 Rs 50,000.”

The CM too ordered a relief of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the grievously injured. The mishap occurred around 12.30 pm on Saturday in the chemical mixing room of the firecracker making unit in the village. Preliminary enquiry revealed that there was overcrowding in the chemical mixing room, and that the explosion could have been triggered when the chemical was being handled, he said. The factory owner had a licence. Asked how the explosion happened, the Collector said, “It could have been due to a human error. We have ordered a thorough enquiry by an inter-departmental team.”