Tamil Nadu: 15 dead, many injured in explosion at firecracker factory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the blast.

"Fire at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu is saddening. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover soon. Authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected," he wrote in a tweet.

He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a fire in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. 

Police said the fire broke out at Sri Mariyammal Fireworks Factory at 1:30 PM leading to a series of explosions when the labourers were engaged in making fancy variety crackers.

The fire and explosions razed down ten warehouses, where a huge stock of finished crackers and highly inflammable chemicals were stored.

Preliminary investigations revealed that friction while handling the chemicals was the reason for the fire tragedy.

The identity of the deceased was yet to be ascertained, as the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

The injured were admitted to the government hospitals at Sattur and Sivakasi.

The toll might go up as the condition of a few workers was stated to be critical.

District Collector R.Kannan, who visited the factory, told media persons that a detailed probe would be conducted into the fire accident.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Madurai range S Rajendran told newsmen that five special police teams were formed to arrest the owner of the factory.