Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu – In a devastating incident, two workers lost their lives and three sustained severe injuries after a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks manufacturing unit in Virudhunagar district on Tuesday. The accident occurred in a licensed private unit in the Sivakasi area, known as the hub of India’s firecracker industry.
According to local authorities, the blast occurred while workers were involved in the mixing of explosive chemicals, an inherently risky process. The explosion was so intense that it completely destroyed a section of the unit, with debris scattered over a wide area. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and began clearing operations to retrieve those trapped under the rubble.
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The deceased were identified as 38-year-old Marimuthu and 27-year-old Selvi, both workers at the unit for several years. The injured were taken to the Sivakasi Government Hospital and later shifted to a Madurai hospital for advanced treatment due to the severity of their burns and injuries.
District officials confirmed that the factory was functioning with a valid license, but an inquiry has been initiated to determine if any safety protocols were flouted. “We are assessing whether there was any negligence or violation of standard operating procedures. Appropriate action will be taken,” said Virudhunagar District Collector J. Meghanatha Reddy.
This tragic incident adds to a growing list of industrial accidents in the region, highlighting persistent concerns around lax safety measures in small and medium-sized firework units. Despite repeated warnings and audits, several units continue to operate with outdated infrastructure and inadequate safety training for workers.
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In 2022 alone, more than 25 people died in similar accidents in the district, calling for stronger enforcement and modernized production techniques. Activists and labor unions have once again urged the government to conduct surprise inspections and ensure compliance with strict guidelines.
The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers’ Association (TANFAMA) expressed grief over the incident and assured cooperation with the investigation. “We strive for a zero-incident industry, but accidents like this underscore the urgent need for modernization and worker education,” said a spokesperson.
The district administration has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for each of the injured. However, families and worker unions are demanding long-term compensation and insurance coverage for employees in the hazardous pyrotechnics sector.
