In a heart-wrenching incident, a catastrophic explosion rocked a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur district, claiming the lives of nine individuals and injuring several others. The tragic event unfolded at the Yaazh FireWorks, located in the Thirumanur area of the district, sending shockwaves throughout the region.
The accident is believed to have occurred when untrained workers were engaged in the perilous task of mixing chemicals within the factory premises, leading to a devastating explosion. A grim reminder of the hazards associated with the firecracker industry, this incident left 23 workers trapped inside the factory during the explosion.
Tragically, among the victims were three newly employed women, highlighting the severe consequences of the accident. The factory owner, identified as Rajendran, and his son-in-law, who was responsible for the factory’s operations, have been apprehended and charged under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosive Substances Act.
While seven of the nine victims have been identified, the search for answers continues as authorities investigate the incident. Shockingly, the factory operated with a valid license, which was recently renewed until 2024, shedding light on the pressing need for stringent safety measures within the industry.
Brave firefighters fought relentlessly for over two and a half hours to control the blaze that ensued from the explosion. The incident left a deep impact on the rescue personnel, further emphasizing the magnitude of the tragedy.
The charred remains of the victims were transported to the Ariyalur Government College Hospital, while those in critical condition received medical attention at the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital.
In response to the devastating incident, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a compassionate gesture by providing ₹3 lakh to the families of each deceased victim, ₹1 lakh to those who sustained serious injuries, and ₹50,000 to those with minor injuries. This compassionate gesture aims to provide some solace to the affected families during these trying times.
This heart-wrenching accident unfolded just a day after another horrific incident in Attibele near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, where 13 lives were lost in a massive fire at a firecracker shop-cum-godown. The victims, many of whom hailed from Amnapettai, Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu, had gathered to work ahead of the Diwali festivities. The fire gutted an estimated ₹5 crore worth of firecrackers, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and precautions in the firecracker industry.
As the nation mourns these tragic losses, questions surrounding the safety and regulation of firecracker manufacturing demand immediate attention to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.