20 Dead, Over 30 Injured in Fire at Cracker Factory in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu CM announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of deceased.

As many as 100 people are believed to have been working in the factory.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Producer: Maaz Hasan

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

At least 20 people have died and 32 others have been injured after a fire broke out at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district on Friday, 12 February. Many of the injured are said to be in a critical condition.

As many as 100 people are believed to have been working in the factory. The police have said the incident was an accident.

"The death toll is showing an upward trend. Many people are critically injured," a senior official of Virudhunagar had said.

“I’ve instructed the district authorities and medical experts to give the best treatment to the injured, asked the local administration to ensure that families of deceased and injured are informed, and necessary arrangements made. Also asked district authorities to inspect such industries on a regular basis.”

Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, as quoted by ANI

WHAT HAPPENED?

The plant, located in Vembakottai, is licenced by the Central Petroleum and Explosives Control Department in Nagpur. It has been making pansy crackers in more than 35 rooms.

While spraying crackers in a room, friction occurred, leading to a sudden explosion, sources told The Quint. The fire spread to the adjoining rooms, resulting in explosion of firecrackers.

PMO, RAHUL GANDHI TWEET CONDOLENCES

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the critically injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for kin of those deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.

“An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each has been approved from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a fire in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured,” PMO said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too expressed his condolences after the incident.

"It’s heart wrenching to think of those still trapped inside. I appeal to the state government to provide immediate rescue, support & relief," he tweeted.

(Screenshot)

“I offer my deep condolences to the families of those who are mourning the loss of their near and dear ones. I join the people of Tamil Nadu in praying for the early and complete recovery of the injured admitted in hospitals.”

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, as quoted by ANI

The bodies of the deceased and all the injured persons were recovered and sent to Kovilpatti Government Hospital, near Madurai.

(With inputs from ANI.)