“It was not supposed to be in operation”: 23 dead in the explosion of a firecracker factory, the boss on the run

An explosion at a firecracker factory in southern India left at least 23 dead and six injured on Sunday, according to Indian police.

A terrible explosion

The explosion occurred around 3:20 p.m. while 36 workers were handling chemicals. According to the first elements of the investigation, friction between substances triggered the explosion, destroying at least four hangars. The proximity of a chemical storage room amplified the impact. Residents say they heard the detonation several kilometers away.

Rescue teams from Sattur, Virudhunagar town and Sivakasi battled the flames and searched through the rubble. The injured, several of whom suffered serious burns, were taken to the Virudhunagar government hospital.

“The factory was not supposed to be in operation that day”

The factory, Vanaja Fireworks, was licensed but operated illegally, according to authorities: “The factory was not supposed to be in operation that day”declared to Times Of India the district prefect, N. O. Sukhaputra, specifying that the license would be withdrawn.

Investigators also check for possible safety violations. According to preliminary information, the authorization was obtained in the name of Eswari, wife of Muthuramalingam, a former panchayat president who is currently on the run.

Police launched an investigation and deployed four special teams to track down the owner and his associates. The factory was authorized to employ 25 people, but had more on site, said the local president of the firecracker and match manufacturers’ association, P. N. Deva.

“Immense sorrow”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message posted on social media, presented his “condolences to those who lost their loved ones.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin termed the deaths as “tragic”and shares his “tremendous sorrow” in a message on X.

Fireworks are very popular in India, especially during the Hindu festival of Diwali and weddings. Explosions are common in the country’s firecracker factories and workshops, often due to non-compliance with safety rules and lax enforcement of regulations.

Last month, an explosion at a firecracker factory in western India killed 17 people.