11 Killed in Sivakasi Firecracker Factory Explosions
Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu: Eleven people were killed and many others injured in explosions at two separate firecracker manufacturing units in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. Six of the deceased are women.
The first explosion occurred at around 11:30 am at a factory in the village of Ettayapuram, about 15 km from Sivakasi. The second explosion occurred an hour later at a factory in the village of Virudhunagar, about 10 km from Sivakasi.
The cause of the explosions is still under investigation, but it is believed that they were caused by a combination of factors, including the use of substandard materials and improper storage of chemicals.
The explosions caused extensive damage to the factories and the surrounding areas. Several houses were also damaged.
The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The condition of some of the injured is critical.
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. The government has also ordered an inquiry into the incidents.
This is the second major firecracker factory explosion in Sivakasi in recent months. In February, eight people were killed in an explosion at a factory in the village of Kadayanallur.
Sivakasi is known as the “firecracker capital of India” and is home to over 1,000 firecracker manufacturing units. The industry employs millions of people and generates billions of rupees in revenue for the state.
However, the industry has a poor safety record and accidents are common. In the last decade, over 100 people have been killed in firecracker factory explosions in Sivakasi.