Deadly blast at fireworks factory in southern India kills 23

At least 23 workers have been killed and several others injured in a powerful explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, authorities said.

The incident occurred on April 19 at a private factory in the Virudhunagar district, a region known for its fireworks industry. According to local media reports, the blast took place at the Vanaja Fireworks plant in the Kattanarpatti area, where around 30 workers were present at the time, Caliber.Az reports via Indian media.

A senior fire and rescue official said the explosion happened at approximately 3:30 p.m., reportedly originating from the front veranda where workers were handling raw materials and conducting final preparations of fireworks.

The force of the blast destroyed at least three rooms and severely damaged several nearby structures. During ongoing rescue operations, a secondary explosion triggered panic at the site, leaving one firefighter seriously injured.

Condolences have poured in from top officials, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.

Preliminary findings indicate that the factory was likely licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), headquartered in Nagpur. Reports suggest that more than 100 people were employed at the facility.

The tragedy comes just days after a similar explosion in the Vembakottai area of the same district, which claimed four lives, raising fresh concerns over safety standards in the region’s fireworks industry.

District Collector Sukhaputra said an investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

By Vugar Khalilov