Three killed in explosion at illegal fireworks unit in Virudhunagar

Three persons, including two women, were killed in an explosion at an illegal fireworks unit, being operated out of a dwelling at Vijayakarisalkulam near Sattur in Virudhunagar district on Saturday (August 9, 2025).

Preliminary inquiries revealed that the dwelling belonged to a person identified as Ponnu Pandian of East Street, Vijayakarisalkulam. Three to five persons were said to be engaged in the process of making firecrackers at the time of the incident.

At around 11.30 a.m., a massive blast was reported from the dwelling and when the neighbours rushed to the spot in the next few minutes, they found that three people had burnt to death, and a woman had sustained burn injuries.

Fire and rescue services personnel from Vembakottai rushed to the spot, and the three bodies were removed.

Vembakottai police identified the deceased persons as Jagadeesan, 20, of Keezhakottai, Nachiapuram; Muthulakshmi, 65; and Shanmugathai, 60. The bodies were shifted to the Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The injured woman has been identified as Mariammal, 55, and she was rushed to Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment.

Revenue officials inspected the spot and conducted inquiries. The Vembakottai police have registered a case.

At the time of inspection, the houseowner was not at the spot, officials said, and added that they were yet to probe whether he was involved in the making of illegal fireworks or had rented the dwelling to someone else for carrying out the manufacturing activity.

CM announces solatium

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condoled the death of the three persons who were killed in the blast. In a statement, Mr. Stalin announced a solatium of ₹4 lakh to the families of each of the deceased and a financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to the injured from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.

Mr. Stalin also said he had instructed officials to ensure treatment for Mariammal, who was injured in the blast.