Deadly explosion at Tamil Nadu fireworks unit leaves 25 dead, several injured

A massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit near Kattanarpatti in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district has claimed 25 lives , with authorities warning that identification of bodies remains extremely difficult as most victims were charred beyond recognition .

Police said identification was being carried out mainly through ornaments and jewellery worn by the victims , as families struggled to formally claim the bodies. The factory owner Muthumanickam is absconding , officials confirmed.

The blast occurred on Sunday around 3.15 pm at the Vanaja firecracker unit , which functioned under the Vachakarapatti police limits and was reportedly licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur.

Preliminary investigation indicates the explosion originated in a chemical mixing shed , where around 40 workers were engaged in manufacturing firecrackers , violating safety norms that permit only a limited number of workers per shed. Officials also said the unit was operating on a prohibited rest day , further breaching regulations.

A second explosion during rescue operations at around 7.20 pm , triggered when an earthmover was clearing debris, injured several responders, including police personnel, firemen, and a revenue official. In total, eight workers remain critically injured , while at least 12 rescue personnel sustained injuries .

Eyewitnesses described a powerful blast followed by thick black smoke and scattered debris , with bodies being evacuated “four at a time.”

While police and district authorities have not confirmed any official statement from the owner or management , investigations are underway. The state government has also notified ex gratia compensation , with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ordered a high-level inquiry and immediate relief measures for victims’ families.

Locals have threatened protests demanding the immediate arrest of the owner , as anger grows over repeated safety violations in the region’s firecracker industry.

The tragedy comes days after a similar blast in Vembakottai killed four people, raising serious concerns over systemic safety lapses in Virudhunagar’s fireworks hub .