Eight people were killed and 10 others were injured in a fire accident at a firecracker storage godown in Krishnagiri on Sunday. Of the 8 people, three of them were women and many of the victims were just passing the unit at the time of the explosion.
According to The Hindu, the victims were identified as Ravi, Jayshree, Ruthika, Ruteesh, Rajeshari, Ibrahim and Imran. The blast reportedly took place around 10 am.
Later, the blaze spread to nearby places including a hotel and nearby houses, Krishnagiri Collector KM Sarayu told Times of India. In the impact, a shop and three houses collapsed in the fire.
Krishnagiri police officers confirmed that rescue operations are underway.
The police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. "Deeply saddened by the tragic mishap at a cracker factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of precious lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this extremely difficult time," tweeted PM Modi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Deeply saddened to know about the tragic fire accident in a crackers factory in Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu). I extend my sincerest condolences to the family members of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."
On Tuesday, two people died in an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing factory at Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district. The women were identified as S Banu and Murugeshwari. The incident took place when the two women were making roll caps for crackers using chemicals in one of the sheds.
However, the other workers of the unit escaped unhurt.
On learning about the demise, Tamil Nadu CM Stalin announced Rs 3 lakh compensation from the CM Public Relief Fund for both families.
Earlier, an explosion took place at the matchbox manufacturing at Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district but no casualties were reported.
South India's capital for fireworks, Sivakasi, with a Rs 6000 crore annual revenue. More than 8 lakh people are employed in the sector. The city which is well-known for its match box and firecracker manufacturers supplies 70% of the nation's needs.