Explosion at Fireworks Factory: Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Declares Rs 4 Lakh Compensation for Victims' Families

Chennai, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, announced on Saturday a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in an explosion at a fireworks factory located in Sattur, within the Virudhunagar district.

The devastating incident resulted in the loss of six lives, all of whom were men, as confirmed by Sattur Station Fire Officer (SFO) J. Varadharaj.

The explosion reportedly occurred while workers were in the process of weighing chemicals and other raw materials.

In response to the incident, the Vachakkarapatti Police have initiated legal proceedings against four individuals, including the factory owners, Balaji and Sasibalan.

Legal charges have been filed under five sections, which include causing death by negligence and the employment of workers without adequate safety precautions.

The precise cause of the explosion remains under investigation; however, preliminary assessments indicate that either a power leak or friction between explosives during firecracker preparation may have led to the incident.

Upon receiving the news, the Fire Department acted swiftly to extinguish the fire and is currently involved in ongoing rescue efforts.

Authorities have stated that investigations are progressing, with a thorough examination of the accident site being conducted.

During a recent visit to the Virudhunagar district, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the importance of safety measures for fireworks factory owners to avert similar disasters.

He also engaged with workers, assuring them that he had instructed factory owners to implement all necessary safety protocols.

Despite the Chief Minister's oversight and assurances, incidents of this nature persist within the district. Virudhunagar, particularly Sivakasi, is renowned as Tamil Nadu's fireworks capital, housing the majority of the state's firecracker manufacturing facilities.

In the Virudhunagar district and adjacent areas, over 300 factories are engaged in the production of firecrackers. The fireworks sector provides employment to nearly four lakh individuals across 1,150 factories in Virudhunagar, with Sivakasi contributing to 70 percent of India's firecracker output.

In 2024, the Virudhunagar district experienced 17 accidents at firecracker factories, leading to 54 fatalities.

The fireworks industry in Tamil Nadu boasts an annual turnover of approximately Rs 6,000 crore.

However, industry leaders have reported a significant downturn in firecracker production due to restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court.

The court has reiterated its ban on barium nitrate, a critical component in firecracker manufacturing, alongside additional limitations on joined crackers.

Business owners in Sivakasi have noted a 30 percent reduction in production as a result of these constraints.

Joined crackers consist of a series of individual firecrackers linked by a fuse, enabling them to ignite in succession when one is lit.