Rohan Umak
Tamil Nadu factory blast: A total of 20 workers employed at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district died on Sunday, after a devastating explosion rattled the facility. The blast, according to police, occurred at the facility situated in Kattanapatti, where dozens of workers were indulged in routine production activities.
The explosion was so fierce that multiple sections of the factory were reduced to rubble, and the blast’s sound echoed up to 10 kilometres away.
PM Modi, CM Stalin express grief
In the aftermath of the incident, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi called the incident ‘deeply distressing,’ and extended condolences to the kin of the victims. He also wished a speedy recovery for the ones injured in the mishap.
Go through PM Modi’s tweet below:
Fire at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu is saddening. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover soon. Authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 12, 2021
Additionally, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) MK Stalin also expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident. He informed via his ‘X’ post that senior ministers had been directed to reach the site immediately to monitor rescue efforts, and provide aid to the affected families. He further confirmed that he had also instructed the authorities of the district administration to ensure all necessary assistance is provided.
Preliminary probe finds chemical mixing triggered blast
According to preliminary findings, it came to light that friction during the mixing of chemicals may have triggered the catastrophic blast. Police said that around 30 workers were present at the unit, when the explosion ensued. The blast’s impact destroyed four rooms within the factory, raising fears that several labourers may still be trapped beneath the debris.
Tamil Nadu factory blast: Rescue ops launched immediately
Upon receipt of the information, emergency response teams from nearby towns like Sivakasi, Sattur and Virudhunagar rushed to the spot. Fire and rescue team personnel battled the blaze for at least an hour before containing it. The injured persons were immediately transported to nearby hospitals, while search operations continued to locate the ones feared trapped.
Probe ordered
Authorities said they have registered a case and have launched a probe into the incident to ascertain the exact cause behind the blast. Officials are examining whether the factory adhered to mandatory safety protocols and operational guidelines. Serious concerns have emerged yet again over safety standards in firecracker manufacturing units, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s Viridhunagar, which is a hub for the industry.
