Explosion at Fireworks Factory in Sattur Claims Six Lives
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Chennai, Jan 4 (NationPress) An explosion at a fireworks factory in Sattur, situated in Tamil Nadu's Virudhnagar district, led to the tragic loss of six workers and left numerous others with severe burns on Saturday.
According to the Sattur Police, the death toll may increase, as the health status of several hospitalized individuals remains critical.
The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Initial reports indicate that it may have been triggered by power leakage or friction among explosives during the firecracker preparation process.
The Fire Department acted swiftly upon receiving the alert, extinguishing the fire and currently conducting rescue operations.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation is in progress, with the accident site being meticulously examined.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin recently visited the Virudhunagar district, urging fireworks factory owners to implement vital safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
He also engaged with workers, reassuring them that he had directed factory owners to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.
Despite the Chief Minister's visit and reassurances, similar incidents continue to plague the district. Virudhunagar, particularly Sivakasi, is recognized as the fireworks capital of Tamil Nadu, housing the majority of the state's firecracker facilities.
There are over 300 factories in the Virudhunagar district and adjacent areas that produce these types of crackers. The fireworks industry employs approximately 400,000 workers across 1,150 factories in Virudhunagar, with Sivakasi alone contributing to 70% of India's firecracker output.
In 2024, the Virudhunagar district reported 17 accidents in firecracker factories, resulting in 54 fatalities.
The fireworks sector in Tamil Nadu generates an annual revenue of around Rs 6,000 crore.
However, industry leaders have highlighted a notable decrease in firecracker production due to restrictions enforced by the Supreme Court.
The court reiterated its ban on barium nitrate, a key component in firecracker production, alongside imposing further limitations on joined crackers.
Business owners in Sivakasi have indicated a 30% drop in production as a result of these constraints.
Joined crackers are defined as a series of individual firecrackers interconnected by a fuse, enabling them to ignite sequentially when one is lit.
