2024 Virudhunagar explosions explained
On 17 February 2024, a fire broke out following an explosion at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Ten people were killed and more than seven were injured. On 29 June 2024, another explosion at a different fire cracker unit near Sattur, resulted in four deaths and one injury.
Background
Virudhunagar district is a major centre for fire cracker with nearly 90% of the fire cracker production of the country manufactured here. The firecracker units are located in rural areas, employ cheap local labour and often do not follow safety norms. Several accidents have been reported due to mishandling of chemicals and poor safety norms.
Incidents
At 12:30 IST 17 February 2024, an explosion at a fire cracker manufacturing unit at Ramuthevanpatti village in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. The factory was involved in the production of fire crackers and the inflammable chemicals, resulted in a fire and further explosions. The fire started in the chemical mixing room and spread to nearby areas, resulting in the explosion. Ten people were killed and more than seven were injured in the accident.[1] [2] On 29 June 2024, a similar explosion at a fire cracker unit near Sattur resulted in a fire, that killed four people and injured one. The fire started when chemicals used in the manufacture ignited.[3] [4]
Aftermath
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) and Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services were involved in fire control, search and rescue operations. The injured were rescued and treated in nearby hospitals.[5] Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. K. Stalin announced an ex-gratia of for the next of the kin who were killed.[6] [7]
Notes and References
- News: 10 dead, six injured in blast at fireworks unit in Tamil Nadu’s Sattur. The Hindu. 17 February 2024. 1 June 2024. 30 April 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240430151257/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/fireworks-factory-explosion-near-tamil-nadu-sattur/article67857598.ece. live.
- News: 10 die in TN cracker unit blast, official points to ‘human error’. The Indian Express. 17 February 2024. 1 June 2024. 15 March 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240315223459/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/mishap-tn-fireworks-factory-9166740/. live.
- News: Four workers killed in explosion at Tamil Nadu fireworks unit. The Economic Times. 29 June 2024. 29 June 2024. 30 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240630000135/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/four-workers-killed-in-explosion-at-tamil-nadu-fireworks-unit/articleshow/111357770.cms?from=mdr. live.
- News: Blast at Tamil Nadu firecracker factory, 4 killed, Chief Minister announces aid. NDTV. 29 June 2024. 29 June 2024. 30 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240630000135/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/tamil-nadu-firecracker-manufacturing-unit-explosion-death-toll-virudhunagar-2560013-2024-06-29. live.
- News: Four workers killed in blast at fireworks unit near Sattur. The Hindu. 29 June 2024. 29 June 2024. 29 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240629094911/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/four-workers-killed-in-blast-at-fireworks-units-near-sattur/article68347217.ece. live.
- News: 10 dead, 7 injured in explosion at firecracker unit in Tamil Nadu. Deccan Herald. 17 February 2024. 1 June 2024. 29 March 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240329234445/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/explosion-at-firecracker-unit-in-tamil-nadus-virudhunagar-2899032. live.
- News: 4 Workers Killed, 1 Injured In Firecracker Unit Blast In Tamil Nadu: Cops. NDTV. 29 June 2024. 29 June 2024. 29 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240629125537/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-workers-killed-1-injured-in-firecracker-unit-blast-in-tamil-nadu-cops-5996611. live.
