At least 15 workers lost their lives on Friday when an explosion occurred at a private fireworks factory near Sattur in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district. According to police, the explosion happened when some chemicals were being mixed in order to make fireworks.
Ten fire brigades were rushed to the spot from several locations when information came in about the explosion and fire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and DMK President M K Stalin were among those who condoled the deaths.
While Palaniswami earlier in a statement in Chennai said 11 people were killed on the spot and 36 injured, police said four succumbed at hospitals hours after admission.
Over 36 injured were presently undergoing treatment.
Chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami has announced Rs 3 lakh relief each to the kin of the dead and Rs 1 lakh each to those injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those seriously injured.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to provide immediate rescue, support, and relief.
Virudhunagar district is not new to fireworks tragedies with as many as 41 people perishing in a blast in 2012.
Virudhunagar district is not new to fireworks tragedies with as many as 41 people perishing in a blast in 2012. Sources said several violations were identified at the cracker unit. As many as 70 people were employed at the unit which was way above the stipulated number.
