New Delhi, April 20: A devastating explosion occurred at the Vaanja fireworks factory in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals. Reports indicate that several others were injured in the incident. Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), expressed his condolences regarding the tragedy.
In a post on the social media platform X, Patnaik stated, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of so many lives in the explosion at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”
The incident reportedly took place while workers were inside a room containing explosive materials. A sudden and powerful explosion occurred due to friction in the chemical mixture, causing the complete collapse of four rooms. So far, the bodies of 22 workers have been recovered. Additionally, six seriously injured workers have been rescued and admitted to the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. JCB machines have been brought to the site, and debris removal efforts are ongoing.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also expressed his sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, he stated that he was deeply saddened by the tragic news of multiple fatalities in the explosion at the fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Stalin mentioned that he has requested ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to reach the site immediately to expedite rescue operations and provide support to the affected families. Upon receiving news of the incident, he contacted the district collector and instructed them to coordinate all necessary assistance.
According to reports, the factory is owned by Muthu Manikam, a resident of Govindanallur, and was operating under a valid RDO license. The factory complex consists of more than 30 rooms, employing over 50 workers. The explosion occurred when approximately 30 employees were present on duty.
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