Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu – Tragedy struck a fireworks manufacturing factory near Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu as eight individuals, including five women workers, lost their lives in a devastating explosion. Alongside the fatalities, twelve others sustained burns in the incident. The explosion was believed to have been sparked by friction during the handling of chemicals at the Sri Sudharshan Fireworks unit in Virudhunagar district.
Authorities revealed that the factory in question was a licensed establishment that specialized in the production of fancy fireworks. According to district SP K Feroze Khan Abdullah, the explosion likely occurred due to friction during the mixing of chemicals. The investigation into the tragedy is ongoing.
Videos captured the aftermath of the explosion, depicting thick smoke billowing from the area and sporadic minor explosions. Emergency responders were observed cautiously approaching the scene as injured individuals were being transported to safety. The incident is just one in a series of fatal explosions that have plagued Sivakasi, known as the firecracker capital of India, in recent years.
Safety experts have pointed to numerous safety violations within the industry, such as inadequate training for workers and improper handling of chemicals. Dr. V Sriram, a fire safety expert, highlighted that the majority of explosions at fireworks factories are attributed to human error. He cited instances of workers being given excessive amounts of explosives to meet production demands, leading to catastrophic outcomes in the event of an explosion.
Despite previous arrests made in similar cases, little progress has been made in improving fire safety measures in Sivakasi. Calls have been made for the state government to conduct safety audits at all fireworks manufacturing units to address these systemic issues. As investigations continue into the latest tragedy, Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed condolences for the lives lost and pledged support for affected families pending clearance from the Election Commission due to electoral regulations.