Tamil Nadu fireworks unit explosion: Nine people were killed after an explosion at a fireworks unit in the southern state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday (Feb 17).
The incident occurred under the Vembakottai police station limits in Virudhnagar area, Press Trust of India reported.
Vembakottai, Tamil Nadu | Google Maps
“The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained,” a police officer was quoted as saying by the PTI, adding, “We are investigating the case.”
The deceased included four women as well, PTI later reported.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin directed two state ministers to coordinate the rescue and relief activities. From New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolence and announced that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.
The Chief Minister said an explosion in a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kundayiruppu village in Vembakottai resulted in the death of ten people, six men and four women.
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 mishap occurred around 12.30 pm on Saturday in the chemical mixing room of the firecracker-making unit in the village. “Initially 9 persons died due to the explosion and 3 who were injured were rushed to Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment,” Virudhunagar district Collector V P Jayaseelan was quoted as saying by the PTI.
(With inputs from agencies)
