What caused the tragic explosion that killed four near Chennai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The explosion occurred due to illegally stored firecrackers.
- Four lives were tragically lost in the incident.
- The explosion caused significant structural damage in the area.
- Authorities are investigating the source of the explosives.
- Inspections for firecracker safety are being increased in the region.
Chennai, Oct 19 (NationPress) Tragically, four individuals lost their lives due to a devastating explosion that occurred in a residence near Avadi, Chennai, on Sunday, leaving the structure in ruins, according to officials.
Initial investigations indicated that illegally stored country-made firecrackers inside the house on Thandurai Farmer Street were responsible for the blast, which was intended for Deepavali sales.
Police reports revealed that the explosion resonated throughout the neighborhood, instilling fear among residents.
The blast's sound reached several streets away, and nearby homes sustained cracks and damage due to the shockwave.
Fire and Rescue Services from Avadi and neighboring stations swiftly responded after being alerted by local residents. They fought the flames engulfing the structure and later discovered four charred bodies amidst the debris.
Two of the victims have been identified as Yasin and Sunil, both from the same area, while identification efforts for the other two are ongoing.
A senior police official noted that the residence was being utilized to store a significant amount of country-made firecrackers, allegedly for sale during the upcoming Deepavali festival.
"It seems the victims were involved in handling or packaging the explosives when the incident occurred," he stated.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the residents possessed the required licenses for storage and sale.
The explosion's intensity was so extreme that it completely obliterated the structure, scattering concrete and wooden debris across the street.
Firefighters worked for several hours to clear the wreckage and ensure there was no risk of secondary ignition from residual chemicals. Forensic teams and bomb squads gathered samples from the site to analyze and ascertain the explosion's cause.
The Avadi police have opened an investigation and are questioning locals to trace the source of the explosives and identify potential suppliers.
This incident has left the Avadi community in shock, with residents expressing their concerns about the unsafe storage of fireworks in residential areas. Authorities have since ramped up inspections across Chennai's suburbs to avert similar disasters ahead of the Deepavali celebrations.