Death Toll Rises To 25 In Firecracker Factory Explosion In Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar
Firecracker factory blast in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu kills 25, injures several; owners absconding, probe underway.
The death toll in the explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar has risen to 25, officials confirmed on Monday, a day after the deadly blast that tore through the facility in Tamil Nadu.
The incident occurred on Sunday at the Vanaja Firecracker Factory, owned by Muthu Manickam of Govindanallur. Authorities said the unit was functioning with a valid Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) licence at the time of the explosion. Preliminary information indicates that more than 30 workers were inside the premises when the blast took place during routine firecracker production activities.
Officials investigating the case said the explosion was likely triggered by friction during the manufacturing process, which led to the sudden ignition of highly explosive materials. The impact of the blast was severe, destroying at least four rooms within the factory complex. Residents in surrounding areas reported hearing the explosion from up to 10 kilometres away, highlighting its intensity.
On Sunday, rescue teams recovered 23 charred bodies from the debris. However, the toll increased further after two injured women, identified as Panchavarnam and Pechiammal, succumbed to their injuries on Monday morning while undergoing treatment at the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital. More than 12 injured persons continue to receive medical care.
Police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by Vanitha, the administrative officer of the Kattinarpatti unit. Legal action has been initiated against Easwari and her husband Muthumanickam, who are said to have been operating the factory. Authorities have formed four special police teams to trace the couple, who are currently absconding.
Of the 25 deceased, 21 bodies have been identified, while efforts are ongoing to establish the identities of the remaining victims. Post-mortem examinations have been completed for the identified bodies. However, tensions have emerged at the hospital and mortuary, with relatives reportedly refusing to accept the bodies unless the management provides the promised compensation of ₹5 lakh in the form of a demand draft.
Security has been tightened in the area, with more than 50 police personnel deployed to prevent any escalation. As investigations continue, the tragedy has once again raised serious concerns over firecracker factory safety standards in Tamil Nadu.
