Explosion at firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu, 11 dead

At least 11 people, including a woman, are feared dead and more than 20 injured in an explosion Friday at a private fireworks factory in the village of Achankulam near Sattur in Virudhunagar district.

Local reports say that many people are still trapped inside the factory.

Santhanamari’s ‘Sree Maariyamman’ fireworks factory had been making firecrackers for a couple of years. According to local reports, the firecrackers that were stored in about six rooms of the factory caught fire one after another, causing a large explosion.

Police told indianexpress.com that the incident occurred around 1:30 pm and that the injured were rushed to several nearby hospitals for treatment. Police also said they are investigating the cause of the blast.

Offering his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his thoughts are with the bereaved families. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the relatives of the deceased.

Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, Edappadi Palaniswami, also announced an ex gratia of three lakh rupees each to the families of those killed and one lakh to those injured in the accident.

Meanwhile, the leader of Congress, Rahul Gandhi, called on the Tamil Nadu government to provide rescue, support and aid immediately.

“Our condolences to the victims of the firecracker factory fire in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. It’s heartbreaking to think of those who are still trapped inside, ”he wrote on Twitter.

The District Collector, Virudhunagar, R Kannan and the Police Superintendent Perumal also inspected the place. The District Revenue Officer said the factory’s license will be suspended.

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