An explosion at a licensed private fireworks factory in Kalayarkurichi village near Sivakasi, Virudhunagar district, resulted in the deaths of two workers and left two others with severe burn injuries on Tuesday.The blast occurred due to friction while workers handled highly inflammable chemicals used in the production of fancy crackers at Supreme Fireworks Factory.
The deceased were identified as Muthumurugan (46) and Mariappan (45). Saroja (56) and Sankaravel (58), who were critically injured, received first aid and were later transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Virudhunagar.
Preliminary investigations suggest that mishandling of the chemicals triggered the explosion.
Senior officials, including Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police K Feroze Khan Abdullah, Deputy Director of Fire and Rescue Services Department for the Southern Region, District Fire Officer A Vivekanandan, and Revenue officials, inspected the site
The Supreme Fireworks Factory is a licensed unit employing a workforce of 120. Inquiries confirmed the factory’s adherence to licensing regulations.
The incident underscores the inherent dangers in the fireworks manufacturing industry, highlighting the need for stringent safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.