A devastating explosion at a fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district claimed the lives of 23 workers and left six others injured on Sunday, officials said. The blast occurred at a private cracker manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti village near Sattur, an area closely linked to the Sivakasi fireworks industry.
According to authorities, the explosion was so intense that several sheds inside the factory collapsed within seconds. Workers who were inside the unit at the time were trapped under debris, while others suffered severe burn injuries. Rescue teams rushed to the spot soon after the incident and began searching through the wreckage for survivors.
Fire and rescue personnel, along with police and local officials, worked for hours to clear the debris and shift the injured to nearby hospitals. Some of those hurt are said to be in critical condition. Officials fear the death toll could have been higher if more workers had been present in the affected section.
Many of the victims were reportedly handling raw materials used in cracker production when the explosion took place. Several bodies were badly charred, making identification difficult and adding to the pain of grieving families waiting outside hospitals and the accident site.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed sorrow over the tragedy and directed ministers and senior officials to immediately visit the location and supervise rescue and relief operations. The state government also announced compensation for the families of those who died and financial assistance for the injured.
Meanwhile, the factory owner is said to be absconding, and police have launched a search. Authorities are investigating whether the unit followed mandatory safety rules and whether it was operating within the limits of its licence. Officials indicated that the licence could be cancelled if violations are confirmed.
Virudhunagar and nearby Sivakasi are known as the heart of India’s fireworks industry, employing thousands of workers. However, the region has witnessed several similar accidents over the years, often linked to poor safety standards and mishandling of explosive materials.
