At least 25 people have been killed in an explosion at a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with four others seriously injured.
The blast occurred at the Vanaja Fireworks Industry in Virudhunagar on Sunday evening. The factory was supposed to be closed, but around 50 workers were inside at the time, according to officials.
A second explosion took place while rescue operations were ongoing, injuring 13 more individuals, although none sustained serious burns, as reported by District Collector NO Sukhaputra.
The cause of the blast remains unknown, and an investigation is currently underway.
An eyewitness, who is recovering from injuries, provided accounts that about 25 workers were gathered in the factory's veranda when the fire erupted, leading to substantial damage and destruction.
Rescue efforts faced significant delays as additional firecrackers continued to detonate within the factory premises.
A complaint has been lodged against the factory's owner and foreman, both of whom have reportedly fled, prompting law enforcement to form special teams tasked with locating and apprehending them.
Identification processes for the victims continued, with 22 of the 25 deceased identified thus far—all primarily women. Preliminary reports suggested that the explosion might have charred some bodies beyond recognition.
Firework factory accidents are unfortunately common in India, where the industry is integral to cultural celebrations involving weddings and festivals but often falls under scrutiny for inadequate safety measures.
Investigators are assessing whether safety standards were compromised, and the district collector highlighted that the factory should not have been operational on a Sunday, marking it as a violation.
Political responses to the tragedy have emphasized the urgent need to address safety regulations within the fireworks industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized the incident as “deeply distressing” and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed immense sorrow and assured that officials would provide necessary support.
