Massive explosion at firecracker factory in Sivakasi; Eight dead, twelve injured

CHENNAI: Eight killed in an explosion that happened at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi. The blast took place at a fireworks factory in Sengamalapatti near Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district. 12 people were injured.

Five women and three men died. The injured were admitted to the hospital. It is reported that all the deceased were workers of the fireworks factory. The factory was operating with a license.

It is reported that the explosion took place in a firecracker factory owned by a person named Sudarshan. Seven rooms in the building were completely destroyed in the explosion. More workers are reportedly trapped in other rooms. The police informed that the search for them is in progress and an investigation has been started into the incident. The police and fire brigade are continuing rescue operations at the blast site.