16 Dead, Several Injured in Massive Firecracker Factory Blast in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar

At least 16 people have died and at least 6 others have sustained injuries in a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar, officials said on Sunday.

"So far, 8 bodies have been recovered from the site," a fire and rescue department official confirmed to ANI, adding that operation to rescue people feared trapped inside is ongoing.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed her profound grief following the fatal accident.

In a formal statement released from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President extended her sympathies to the families affected by the sudden blast.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery," she added.

What did Vice President CP Radhakrishnan say about the Virudhunagar fireworks factory blast?

Meanwhile, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also extended his condolences and prayed for the recovery of all the injured individuals.

"The most heartbreaking accident that occurred in a fireworks factory near Virudhunagar causes immense sorrow. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. I pray that all the injured recover fully soon," said the Vice President.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin expressed condolences and instructed the District Collector to coordinate all necessary assistance.

"The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker factory explosion that occurred in Kattanapatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow," he said.

"My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I have requested the esteemed Ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families," the Tamil Nadu CM added.

"Upon learning of this, I have contacted the District Collector and instructed them to coordinate all necessary assistance," M K Stalin added.

How did police and fire services respond to the Virudhunagar firecracker unit explosion

Senior police officials said that at around 3 pm on Sunday, a firework unit near Kattanarpatti reportedly blasted.

On receiving information from the public, police and fire and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and started dousing the fire.

Further, rescue efforts are underway. Rescued individuals were shifted to a nearby government hospital.

So far, 16 have died, and preliminary information says it's a licensed firework unit named "Vanaja Fireworks" that added the official.

Vachakarapatti police are conducting an investigation into the incident.

(With inputs from ANI)