Virudhnagar:Over 20 people were killed in a fireworksfactory blastin Tamil Nadu's Virudhnagar district on Sunday (April 19). The factory was located in the Kattanipatti area of the district. The incident raised concerns over safety norms being followed by the fireworks factories. Out of the 25 people killed in the explosion, 19 were reportedly women. Meanwhile, several others were also injured in the blast.

Initial investigation found violation of safety norms at the factory. As per regulations, only three to four workers were allowed inside a production room, but at the time of the incident, around 20 people were working there, reported NDTV. Production rooms were connected in a warehouse-like layout. However, they were reportedly supposed to be built as separate structures, having a sufficient gap.

There were only two emergency exit doors at the factory; the safety norms mandate four such doors. The report further claimed that the licence of the factory was already cancelled. However, the owner allegedly leased the factory, and operations were continued illegally.

The impact of the blast was so severe that at least three rooms were reduced to rubble. Several adjacent structures were completely levelled.

PM Modi, Union HM And Tamil Nadu CM Condoled The Death Of Workers Died In Virudhnagar Explosion:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed her profound grief following a fatal accident at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu that claimed at least 16 lives.

The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the families affected by the sudden blast.

On X, he wrote, "The mishap in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest."

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his condolences and prayed for the recovery of all the injured individuals. "Deeply saddened by the tragic fire accident at Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," said the Home Minister.

Also Read:Andhra Pradesh's Deadliest Cracker Factory Blast: 21 Dead, Most of Them Women, Bodies Flung Into Paddy Fields

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