Two workers killed, two others seriously injured in explosion at fireworks plant near Sivakasi

Two workers were killed and two others seriously injured in a small explosion at Supreme Fireworks near Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Police identified the deceased as P. Mariappan (43) and P. Muthu Murugan (40) of Chidambarapuram. The injured are C. Saroja (52) of Chithamanaickanpatti and K. Sankaravelu (53) of Sevalur.

The explosion occurred barely two months after an explosion at a fireworks factory in May killed 10 workers and injured 13 others.

Police said the workers were pushing a small cart containing chemicals from the chemical storage room of the fireworks factory to the chemical mixing room. Saroja and Sankaravelu were busy sifting the chemicals while the other two were unloading the chemicals when they were caught in a huge fireball following a small explosion.

While Mariappan and Muthu Murugan died on the spot due to burns, the other two suffered severe injuries with burns of over 90%.

The injured were taken to the government hospital in Sivakasi. After initial treatment, they were referred to Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.

Police said the accident was caused by friction while handling the chemicals. However, none of the work halls were damaged by the fire.

M. Pudupatti police have registered a case and are investigating.

Just last week, revenue officials discovered 22 tonnes of chemicals suspected to be banned barium nitrate at a site near Sivakasi where paper tubes for aerial fireworks were manufactured.

BJP TN chairman K. Annamalai expresses his condolences

BJP state president K. Annamalai expressed his condolences over the deaths of the two workers. In a social media post, Annamalai said that explosions in fireworks factories were common in Tamil Nadu and the state government should ensure that proper safety protocols are in place.