At Least 19 Dead, 6 Injured In Blast At Firecracker Factory In Tamil Nadu

Virudhunagar: At least 19 people were charred to death, and six injured in a blast at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu on Sunday. Reports indicate that Chief Minister MK Stalin has sent ministers to the spot to look over the firefighting efforts.

The Fire and Rescue Department reportedly said that a massive explosion occurred at the firecracker factory.

“The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker factory explosion that occurred in Kattanapatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” CM Stalin said in an X post.

“I have requested the esteemed Ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families,” he said, adding, “Upon learning of this, I have contacted the District Collector and instructed them to coordinate all necessary assistance.”

According to a preliminary probe, the factory was operating in violation of regulations and was also functioning on Sunday, which is usually a designated rest day. Authorities are investigating the cause behind the accident; moreover four special teams have been constituted to find and arrest those who may be responsible.

Former Tamil Nadu minister and AIADMK leader KT Rajendra Bhalaji was spotted at the government hospital to meet the injured of the Virudhunagar firecracker factory blast.

Here's What The Police Said

Speaking about the Virudhunagar firecracker factory blast, Dr N Shreenatha, Superintendent of Police of Virudhunagar, said, “While the district administration and police were carrying out relief work, a second explosion occurred around 7:45 PM. During that time, 13 people were injured, all of whom are out of danger. They are receiving good treatment. This includes 6 police personnel, who have sustained minor injuries. We are investigating. We have registered a case. The Additional SP and his team will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.”

The SP further said that they have sealed the place for now, fearing further explosions, and the public have been warned. He also mentioned that only rescue team members were injured in the secondary blast.

How PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Reacted

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the mishap in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. He extended his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and prayed that the injured recover at the earliest.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed that he is “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives in the firecracker factory. “These were workers who left home in the morning to earn a living for their families. My thoughts are with the grieving families, and I wish a swift recovery to all those injured,” he wrote on X.

History Of Firecracker Mishaps

Virudhunagar, which has lately emerged to be a major hub for firecrackers manufacturing, has seen several fire-related mishaps in the last few years.

Earlier on April 13, 2026, a similar explosion was reported at an Excel fireworks factory in Madathupatti near Sattur in Virudhunagar district.

On February 17, 2024, another fire broke out following an explosion at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar. The incident led to the death of ten people and left around seven injured. 

Prior to this, on June 29, 2024, another mishap took place at a firecracker unit in the same region, which resulted in the death of four individuals and left one injured.

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