Chennai: A devastating explosion ripped through a firecracker manufacturing unit at Kattanarpatti in Tamail Nadu’s Virudhunagar district on Sunday claiming the lives of at least 16 workers and leaving six others critically injured.
Virudhunagar police confirmed that nearly 30 workers were on duty at the Vanaja Firecracker Factory in Kattanarpatti during standard production tasks when the explosion erupted. The sheer power of the blast inflicted severe damage across multiple rooms, sparked a widespread fire, and led to the collapse of key structural sections, significantly impeding initial rescue attempts.
Rapid Response from Rescue Teams
Emergency services, including fire and rescue personnel from nearby stations, rushed to the site promptly upon receiving distress calls and extricated survivors from the rubble and ensured the six injured individuals were swiftly transported to local hospitals for immediate medical attention. Death toll till the time of reporting stands at 16, with ongoing operations to recover any remaining victims amid the wreckage.
Chief Minister’s Heartfelt Condolences and Directives
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took to X to convey his grief, stating: “The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker factory explosion that occurred in Kattanapatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.”
The Chief Minister said he has directed senior ministers to reach the site immediately. “I have requested the esteemed Ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families,” he said.
