Tamil Nadu: 1 Dead, 1 Critically Injured In Explosion At Virudhunagar Firecracker Factory

The blast occurred when Govindaraj was unloading materials from his vehicle to be taken to firecracker factory in Sevalpatti of Virudhunagar district.

Gurumoorthi, who was working at the factory, sustained 100% burns and is currently undergoing treatment at the Sivakasi Government Hospital.

Source : Pixabay

An firecracker factory explosion at the Sri Lakshmi Fireworks unit in Sevalpatti, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday, resulted in the death of an autorickshaw driver and critical injuries to a worker. G. Govindaraj, 29, from Sevalpatti, lost his life on the spot, while 19-year-old P. Gurumoorthi from Sivakasi suffered severe burns after a fire broke out at the fireworks factory.

The explosion happened around 9:45 a.m. in the chemical-filling room of the unit. Govindaraj was unloading materials from his vehicle when the blast occurred, bringing down the fireworks shed. Gurumoorthi, who was working at the factory, sustained 100% burns and is currently undergoing treatment at the Sivakasi Government Hospital. In response to the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered special care for the injured worker.

Expressing his condolences, Chief Minister Stalin announced financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of both the deceased and the injured worker from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund. He conveyed his deep sympathies to the victims' families and assured support during this difficult time.

This incident comes after a similar tragedy in May of this year, when nine people were killed and ten others injured in an explosion at another fireworks manufacturing unit near Sivakasi. That explosion gutted seven rooms where firecrackers were stocked, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the fireworks industry in the region.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her sorrow over the incident, stating on social media platform X, "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

The repeated occurrences of such accidents have raised questions about safety measures in fireworks manufacturing units in the Sivakasi region, which is known for its large number of firecracker factories.