Three killed in explosion at illegal fireworks unit in Virudhunagar, TN CM Stalin announces solatium

Three people, including two women, died in an explosion at an illegal fireworks unit in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred at a dwelling in Vijayakarisalkulam, where the owner, Ponnu Pandian, was operating the unit. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a solatium of ₹4 lakh to each of the deceased families and ₹1 lakh to the injured woman, Mariammal. The Vembakottai police have registered a case and officials are investigating the incident.

Chennai: A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning when an explosion at an illegal fireworks unit in Vijayakarisalkulam, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, claimed the lives of three people, including two women. The incident has once again brought to light the recurring safety concerns in the region's fireworks production units.

The explosion happened at a dwelling owned by Ponnu Pandian, where the unit was operating without proper authorization. Three people died on the spot, while one woman, Mariammal, sustained severe burn injuries. The injured woman was rescued by the police and rushed to the Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a solatium of ₹4 lakh to each of the deceased families and ₹1 lakh to the injured woman, Mariammal. The Vembakottai police have registered a case and are investigating the incident. Preliminary inquiries suggest that explosives were being handled without adequate precautionary measures.

This incident is the latest in a series of fatal explosions in the district. In the past month alone, four fatal firecracker-related explosions have occurred, claiming 16 lives. These accidents have raised alarm among safety officials and prompted demands for stricter enforcement of rules under the Explosives Act [1].

The explosion has also highlighted the need for stringent safety protocols in the fireworks industry. Authorities have once again urged fireworks unit owners to strictly follow safety measures and warned that strict action would be taken against violators.

References:
[1] https://www.mangalorean.com/three-killed-in-explosion-at-firecracker-unit-in-tamil-nadu/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/kaynes-technology-shares-in-focus-as-unit-inks-rs-4995-crore-investment-mou-with-tamil-nadu/articleshow/123108480.cms