VIRUDHUNAGAR: The death toll has climbed to 25 in the devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu, officials said on Monday.
The blast occurred on Sunday at the Vanaja Firecracker Factory, owned by Muthu Manickam of Govindanallur, which was operating with a valid Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) licence.
According to initial reports, more than 30 workers were present inside the facility at the time of the incident, engaged in routine firecracker production activities.
Officials said the explosion was triggered by friction during the manufacturing process, leading to a sudden ignition of explosive materials. The impact was so intense that at least four rooms of the factory were completely destroyed. The sound of the explosion was reportedly heard up to 10 kilometres away, underscoring the magnitude of the blast.
Earlier on Sunday, 23 charred bodies were recovered from the scene.
Meanwhile, more than 12 injured individuals are currently undergoing treatment at the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital; among them, two women succumbed to their injuries on Monday morning despite medical treatment. The deceased have been identified as Panchavarnam and Pechiammal.