Quite disappointing
‘Man-made error’ in chemical mixing room behind explosion at Tamil Nadu firecracker factory that killed 10
An explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 10, including five women, and left several others injured. The tragedy struck the factory located in Ramuthevanpatti near Sattur, a region notorious for such accidents.
Virudhunagar, along with Sivakasi, is a hub for firecracker production, catering to almost 90% of India’s demand with over 1,000 factories operational. The explosion underscores the ongoing risks faced by workers in an industry plagued by negligence and human error.
The accident occurred around noon when employees were engaged in mixing chemicals for fancy crackers, a process known for its high risk of ignition. According to a senior official from the Virudhunagar district administration, the explosion was triggered by a “man-made error” in the chemical mixing room, suggesting a breach of safety protocols that stipulate a maximum of two persons in the area during such operations.
“Initial investigations reveal that more individuals were present, either inside or just outside the mixing room, likely contributing to the high casualty rate. The factory had around 150 workers. We are searching for the owner and manager of the unit, who have gone into hiding, and a detailed magisterial probe has been ordered to investigate the incident further,” the official said.
In response to the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin extended his condolences to the families of the victims, announcing financial assistance to alleviate their immediate suffering.
Each family of the deceased will receive a solatium of Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s relief fund, with an additional Rs 1 lakh earmarked for those seriously injured. Stalin has deputed Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Labour Minister C V Ganesan to oversee rescue and relief operations, ensuring that the injured receive prompt medical attention and support during this critical time.
Arun Janardhanan – 2024-02-17 20:53