2 killed, 4 injured in fireworks unit explosion in Tamil Nadu

Two workers were killed and four others injured in an explosion at a cracker unit near Sattur in Virudhunagar district today, police said.

The workers were filling chemicals to make some pyrotechnic fireworks when several bundles of crackers went off due to sparks caused by friction, leading to a loud explosion killing two of them on the spot.

Two sheds collapsed under the impact of the explosion at the unit in Ezhayiram Pannai village in the district, known for its fireworks industry.

The injured have been admitted to a hospital.

Fire service personnel rushed to the spot and doused the fire after several hours of fighting.

In Chennai, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced Rs2 lakh relief each to the next of the two victims.

In an official release, she expressed her sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.

She announced the relief from the Chief Minister's general relief fund and Rs6,000 to the injured persons.