Four Dead, Several Injured as Blast Rips Through Sivakasi Firecracker Factory; Rescue Ops On

Sivakasi: Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi, the hub of India’s firecracker industry, was rocked by tragedy on Tuesday morning when a massive explosion tore through a firecracker factory in Chinna Kamanpatti village, leaving at least four people dead and several others grievously injured.

According to Virudhunagar District Superintendent of Police Kannan, “Four people died and five others were injured in an explosion at a firecracker factory in Chinnakamanpatti near Sivakasi. They were admitted to the Virudhunagar government hospital for treatment,” as reported by ANI.

The blast triggered a fire that rapidly spread through the premises, sending a thick blanket of black smoke over the area and creating panic among local residents. Loud explosions, accompanied by shockwaves, rattled nearby homes and shops, forcing many people to flee for safety.

Emergency response teams, including fire and police personnel, rushed to the site within minutes of receiving information. Rescue and containment operations were launched on a war footing to control the flames and look for possible survivors trapped inside.

The injured have been shifted to hospitals for treatment, with doctors monitoring their condition closely. Officials confirmed that a detailed probe will be carried out to determine the cause of the explosion, which is still unknown.

Sivakasi, known as the firecracker capital of India, has witnessed similar industrial accidents in the past, raising questions about safety compliance and working conditions in the region’s numerous small-scale firework units.