At least five workers, including two women, were killed in a powerful explosion at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, police said. The devastating fire gutted the unit and left many injured.
Thick smoke was seen rising from the factory, and crackers were bursting continuously inside the premises.
Police and fire and rescue services personnel who reached the spot rushed the injured to the hospital.
The fire has been brought under control and efforts were on to clear the debris at present, a fire and rescue services department official said. Revenue officials who arrived at the private firecracker manufacturing unit in Chinnakamanpatti near Sivakasi and police are inquiring into the incident.
Telangana pharma plant explosion
Earlier on Monday, a devastating explosion at Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamilaram, Telangana, had claimed 35 lives and left several injured. The fatal accident that took place at the Sigachi Industries' pharma plant in Pashamylaram is suspected to have been caused by a chemical reaction.
Around 90 people were working in the plant when the blast took place, reportedly due to a suspected chemical reaction, which also triggered a fire, the state Health Minister told reporters.
Sigachi Industries Limited is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to pioneering advancements in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Intermediates, Excipients, vitamin-mineral blends, and Operations and Management (O&M) services, according to the company's website.
The company said it deeply mourns the loss of lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Asserting that the unit was fully insured, the firm assured all possible support to those affected.
