On Saturday, a tragic incident unfolded in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district, where at least nine individuals lost their lives, and numerous others suffered injuries in a devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing facility.
Eyewitnesses recounted the sheer force of the explosion, which not only razed the firecracker factory to the ground but also obliterated four adjacent buildings in the vicinity. The establishment in question was under the proprietorship of an individual identified as Vijay and was situated in the Vembakottai locality of the district.
In the aftermath of the calamity, swift response teams comprising law enforcement personnel and fire brigade units rushed to the scene, promptly transporting the wounded to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment and care.
Tragically, seven individuals lost their lives on-site, while two others succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital, as per police reports. Initial inquiries indicate that the catastrophic event originated within the chemical mixing chamber of the factory, although a comprehensive investigation into the matter is presently underway.
Expressing his condolences over the grievous loss, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a gesture of support by announcing compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for every individual injured in the blast.
In an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi conveyed his heartfelt sympathies, stating, "It is with profound sorrow that I learned of the tragic mishap at the firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district. At this trying juncture, my thoughts are with the bereaved families of the departed souls. I pray for the swift and complete recovery of all those injured. An ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs. 50,000."
This lamentable incident evokes memories of a similar tragedy that occurred last year, wherein eight individuals, including three women, lost their lives and numerous others suffered injuries in an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.
