Chennai, 26 July (H.S.):Three people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a powerful explosion tore through an illegally operated firecracker manufacturing unit near Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district on Sunday. The blast sparked a massive fire and triggered a chain of explosions, sending thick clouds of smoke into the sky and causing panic among residents in the surrounding villages.

The accident occurred at Sengamalpatti in Sivakasi taluk, where workers were allegedly engaged in the unauthorised manufacture of firecrackers inside a makeshift godown. The impact of the explosion reduced parts of the structure to rubble, while repeated cracker blasts hampered rescue operations and forced authorities to cordon off the area.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel, supported by the police, launched an intensive firefighting operation before beginning a search for survivors trapped beneath the debris. Two bodies were initially recovered from the site, while the body of a third victim was found during the subsequent rescue operation, officials said.

The injured were rushed to the Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment, with officials closely monitoring their condition. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that the godown was functioning without the required licences. Investigators are examining whether illegal storage of explosive materials, violations of safety regulations or unauthorised manufacturing practices led to the explosion.

The tragedy comes just days after Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S. Keerthana held consultations with fireworks manufacturers and traders in Sivakasi on measures to improve the industry's growth while reinforcing safety and regulatory compliance.

Sivakasi, the country's largest fireworks manufacturing centre, has witnessed several fatal explosions over the years in both licensed and unlicensed units. Investigations into previous accidents have repeatedly pointed to overcrowded work sheds, unsafe handling of explosives and violations of mandatory safety norms. Despite repeated directions and safety guidelines issued by the Madras High Court, such incidents continue to raise serious concerns over enforcement and compliance within the fireworks industry.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman