Tragic Firecracker Accidents in Sivakasi Leave 14 Dead
Sivakasi was struck by tragedy when two separate accidents at firecracker factories resulted in a total of 14 fatalities. Thirteen workers, including 12 women, were charred to death while packing firecracker gift boxes at a factory in Rengapalayam Kammapatti. In another incident, one person was killed in an explosion at a firecracker factory in Maraneri Keechanayakkanpatti village.
The Rengapalayam Kammapatti factory, owned by Sundharamurthy from Gangagulam, had its license revoked last year due to violations. However, Sundharamurthy managed to obtain a license from the Central Explosives Control Department to run a nearby firecracker shop. He had also set up a tin shed, in violation of regulations, where workers were responsible for packing the gift boxes.
The tragedy unfolded when firecrackers suddenly exploded, setting off a spark that ignited the nearby firecracker shop. The shop, which was filled with large quantities of firecrackers in preparation for Diwali, quickly caught fire and led to massive explosions. As a result, 13 workers, including Mahadevi, Panchavarnam, Balamurugan, Tamilchelvi, S. Ammapati Muneeswari, Thangamalai, Anitha, Pakhyam, Guruvammal, Indira, Lakshmi, Chellammal, and Muthulakshmi, lost their lives in the devastating blaze.
Firefighters from Sivakasi, Virudhunagar, and Srivilliputhur fire stations rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire. The incident also prompted the visit of officials, including Madurai DJ Ramya Bharati and Virudhunagar S.P. Srinivasa Perumal. It is suspected that additional workers may have been trapped inside and perished in the accident. Two injured workers, Ponnutai and Chinnathai, are currently receiving treatment at the Virudhunagar Government Hospital.
Virudhunagar Collector Jayaseelan, during his inspection of the shop, assured that strict action would be taken if any violations were found. Meanwhile, another accident occurred at Muthu Vijayan’s firecracker factory in Maraneri Keechanayakanpatti, resulting in the death of a worker named Vembu due to an unexpected explosion.
Political figures, including Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai, BAMA founder Ramadoss, Marxist Communist Party state secretary K. Balakrishnan, TAMAKA leaders GK Vasan, AAMUK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran, and Congress legislature president Selvaperunthakai, expressed their condolences to the families affected by the blasts.
In light of these incidents, there is a call for increased surveillance and safety measures at firecracker factories and shops, particularly as Diwali approaches. It is essential to provide workers with proper training and protection to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
Chief Minister Stalin has responded to the tragedy by ordering a relief of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to the seriously injured individuals. Expressing his deep sadness, Chief Minister Stalin extended his condolences and assured that special treatment would be provided to the injured individuals in Srivilliputhur Government Hospital. The financial assistance will be given from the Chief Minister’s General Relief Fund.