Dharmapuri Fireworks Factory Explosion: Three Dead, Protests Erupt Over Compensation

Dharmapuri: A deadly explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district on Monday, claimed the lives of at least three woman workers. The incident occurred at a firecracker unit located in the Murukampatti village. According to reports, the blast, suspected to have been triggered by friction during the mixing of chemicals, left body parts of the victims scattered over a 100-metre radius, sending shockwaves through the village.

The police have identified the deceased as V Thirumalar (35), M Senbagam (25), and Thirumanju (33) from Bhoomisamuthiram village near Kambainallur. During the initial inquiry, it was found that a fourth woman was also working at the unit, who escaped the blast as she had left for lunch just minutes before the explosion.

The owner of the unit, Vijaykumar Cracker Shop, K Chinnasurai, immediately reported the incident to the Kambainallur police. 

Following the blast, hundreds of people from nearby areas rushed to the spot, along with police and fire and rescue teams. The locals demanded compensation for the family of the deceased. 

The demand escalated tension at the site, when locals refused to allow officials to remove the bodies, demanding that the chief minister should announce a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim’s family. The protest ended after Superintendent of Police (SP, Dharmapuri) SS Maheswaran held talks with the villagers.

Dharmapuri Collector R Sadheesh inspected the site and extended his condolences to the families. Speaking to reporters, he said, "It was a licensed firecracker manufacturing unit. We have notified the chief minister’s office, and the district administration will take necessary steps to ensure the needs of the families are taken care of."