Tamil Nadu firecracker unit blast claims 23 lives, injures 6

At least 23 people have been killed and six others injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, officials said.

The blast occurred at a licensed fireworks facility, where a large number of workers were present at the time of the incident. The explosion was so powerful that it led to the collapse of multiple structures within the premises, trapping several workers under debris.

Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, were rushed to the site, and a large-scale rescue operation was launched. Officials said that ongoing explosions from stored firecrackers hampered initial rescue efforts, delaying access to those trapped inside.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify victims, many of whom suffered severe burn injuries due to the intensity of the blast.

Preliminary findings suggest the explosion may have originated in an area where raw materials were being handled. The unit was reportedly licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), and investigators are examining whether safety protocols were followed.

Officials said the factory owner is currently absconding, and action has been initiated to trace him. Authorities are also considering cancellation of the unit’s licence as part of the investigation into possible negligence.

Senior state officials have visited the site, and the Tamil Nadu government has ordered a detailed probe into the incident. Compensation announcements and relief measures for victims’ families are also expected.

The incident adds to a series of industrial accidents involving firecracker units in the region, raising renewed concerns over safety compliance in high-risk manufacturing units.