Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu – A powerful explosion at a licensed fireworks unit in Naranapuram near Sivakasi claimed the lives of three workers and left three others severely injured on Monday afternoon. The blast occurred at Shri Mariamman Fireworks and Amorces Industries at around 3:50 PM, reportedly triggered by chemical friction during the manufacturing of aerial and fancy crackers.
The deceased were identified as T. Karthigai Selvam (25), S. Sangeetha (40), and K. Lakshmi (45). Selvam’s body was recovered immediately after the explosion, while Sangeetha was found buried under the rubble. Lakshmi’s remains were retrieved later with the help of earthmovers deployed to clear the debris, as confirmed by The New Indian Express.
Three other female workers sustained serious burn injuries and are undergoing treatment at the Sivakasi Government Hospital. The condition of at least one of the injured is reported to be critical.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep grief and announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Additionally, ₹1 lakh will be provided to those seriously injured, and ₹50,000 to those with minor injuries. “I was deeply shocked and pained to hear the tragic news. I express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families,” the Chief Minister said in a statement, according to PTI.
In the aftermath of the blast, the district administration has suspended the factory’s operating licence. A case has been registered under the Explosives Act against the owner and the foreman of the unit. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and whether any safety violations were involved.
The incident once again raises questions over firework unit safety protocols in Sivakasi, India’s fireworks hub, which has witnessed repeated tragedies in the past due to inadequate safety measures and lapses in regulation.
