Title: Tragedy Strikes as 10 Workers Killed in Firecracker Factory Explosion
Subtitle: 13 Others Sustain Serious Injuries in Devastating Accident near Ariyalur
Perambalur, Ariyalur: A horrifying incident unfolded near Ariyalur as a fire broke out in a firecracker factory, resulting in the tragic death of 10 workers. The incident occurred at a factory owned by Rajendran, a resident of Thirumalupadi village. His son-in-law, Arun Kumar, managed the day-to-day operations of the factory situated in Virakalur village, which also housed a kiosk and outlet.
As the festival of Diwali approached, the factory was bustling with activity in preparation for the demand surge. Over 25 workers, including 11 women from Sivakasi, were laboring tirelessly to produce a wide range of firecrackers.
The catastrophic event unfolded yesterday morning at around 9:15 am when a fire suddenly engulfed the crackers godown. The native firecrackers, stored in large quantities, exploded with a deafening roar that reverberated across several kilometers.
Despite the efforts of the workers, the fire raged on for two hours, prevented by black smoke from reaching the source. Local firemen from Ariyalur rushed to the scene upon receiving the distress call and fought tirelessly for three hours to bring the fire under control. However, the intense fire and multiple explosions caused buildings to collapse.
The aftermath of the tragedy left a haunting scene, with the bodies of 10 individuals, including seven men and three women, recovered from the accident site. The force of the explosions had scattered body parts throughout the area. Additionally, 11 vehicles, including two-wheelers, mini vans, and a tractor, parked near the factory were reduced to ashes. The financial loss in terms of burnt firecrackers is estimated to be significant.
Thirteen survivors, hailing from Thanjavur and Ariyalur districts, sustained severe injuries and were immediately rushed to Ariyalur and Thanjavur Government Medical College Hospitals. Among them, Karthi, Sundar, and Muruganandam are currently in critical condition.
Local residents reported experiencing what felt like an earthquake as the crackers exploded in the factory. The tragic incident has devastated the community, with Ministers Sivashankar and Ganesan personally visiting the injured victims to offer their condolences.
Fortunately, workers who had arrived from Sivakasi to assist in the Diwali production process managed to escape the accident unharmed, having temporarily left the factory to have lunch.
In response to the tragic event, the Chief Minister has announced compensation of 3 lakh rupees for the families of each deceased worker, 1 lakh rupees for those seriously injured, and 50 thousand rupees for individuals with minor injuries drawn from the Chief Minister’s General Relief Fund.
The devastating explosion marks another somber day for Ariyalur district, following the loss of 14 lives in a firecracker godown accident in Athipalli, Hosur, just a day prior. The entire community mourns the loss of the workers and stands in grief and shock at the magnitude of the tragedy.