Thoothukudi, May 27:
A tragic explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit near Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district claimed the lives of two persons and left one seriously injured.
The incident occurred at Puliyankulam village, located near Kovilpatti, where a private building in the Kattukovil area was reportedly being used for the unlawful production of firecrackers. According to sources, a few individuals were engaged in preparing firecrackers at the site on Tuesday night when a sudden explosion ripped through the premises.
The impact of the blast was so severe that the entire structure collapsed, reducing the building to rubble within moments.
Two persons, identified as Ayyappan (30) from Puliyankulam and Malathi from Pullagoundanpatti in Virudhunagar district, were trapped under the debris and died on the spot. Another ą¤Æą„ą¤µą¤, Suryaprakash (25), sustained severe injuries in the explosion.
On receiving information, personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the scene and began rescue operations. They retrieved the bodies of the deceased from the debris and sent them to the Kovilpatti Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The injured Suryaprakash was rescued and admitted to the same hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and launched a detailed investigation. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the firecracker unit was operating without proper authorisation, raising concerns over safety violations and illegal handling of explosive materials.
Authorities are now probing the circumstances leading to the blast, including the source of raw materials, ownership of the building, and whether more individuals were involved in running the illegal unit.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with unauthorised firecracker manufacturing units, especially in residential or semi-rural areas, posing a serious threat to human lives and property.