TN: 21 killed in crackers unit blast in Kattanarpatti
New Delhi: Twenty one persons including women were charred to death and many sustained injuries after a blast ripped a fire crackers factory in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin have condoled the loss of lives and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.
Rs.2 lakh ex-gratia
Mr. Modi has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh each would be paid to the next of kin of each of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each.
In his X site, Mr. Modi posted: “It is with a heavy heart that I learnt about a mishap at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district. During this difficult time, my thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have tragically passed away. I wish a swift and full recovery for all who have been injured.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”.
According to the reports, the incident occurred due to friction in the explosive chemicals when the crackers were being shifted at the Vanaja Fire Works factory, a licensed unit, owned by one Muthumanickkam.
Intensive explosion
The explosion, which damaged four rooms in the factory, when at least 30 workers were on their job, was so intense that its sound and shock waves impacted for about 10 km from the Unit, locals said.
Fire tenders from Sivakasi, Sattur and Virudhunagar rushed to the spot and put out the fire, and the injured were taken to the hospital with the help of police and locals.
Police probe
The police have registered a case and probing into the cause of the incident. Mr. Stalin has expressed his anguish and grief on the death of so many persons in the incident.
In a message, he wished a speedy recovery of the injured. Ministers KKSSR Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu were directed to go to the area to console the victims and the bereaved families, and coordinate in the relief works, he said.
