11 killed in TN fireworks unit explosion

Virudhunagar, Feb 12 (PTI): At least 11 workers were killed and 36 injured when an explosion ripped through a fireworks factory near Sattur in this southern district in Tamil Nadu on Friday, Police said.
The explosion occurred when some chemicals were being mixed to produce fireworks at the unit in Acchankulam village, they said, adding the injured had been hospitalised. The factory building was damaged badly under the impact of the explosion and many suffered burns. Palaniswami, in a statement, said all the 11 workers were killed on the spot and that he has ordered a probe into the incident, while assuring due legal action. Several fire fighting units were deployed to douse the fire and take up the rescue operations.
Earlier, TV visuals showed relatives of the victims wailing near the mishap site while the injured were rushed to hospitals in ambulances.
Palaniswami, in a statement, said all the 11 victims were killed on the spot and expressed grief over the deaths. “I was anguished to know that 36 persons have been injured in the explosion and have directed the officials to ensure due medical treatment to them,” he said. He announced a sum of Rs three lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs one lakh to those who had suffered grievous injuries. The Chief Minister said he has directed expediting the relief work and asked the district collector Virudhunagar, home to the country’s fireworks hub, to console the families of the victims in person.