At least ten persons were feared dead and over three dozens injured in a major explosion at a fireworks factory in Mudalipetti, which is near Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu. The injured persons were immediately rushed to the hospital. The sources told Tamil Wishesh that the casualties may increase. Hundreds of people were said to be inside the factory of Om Siva Sakthi Crackers when the explosion took place. A large number of people rushed outside while ten were reportedly killed.

As many as ten fire tenders, which were pressed into the action, were busy dousing the wild flames. Thick smoke was reportedly witnessed outside the building. It may be noted that Sivakasi is famous in the country for the fireworks. Many incidents of explosions at fireworks factory earlier hit the headlines. The governments should ensure that firework crackers maintain fire safety norm in order to avoid such incidents.

(AW Phani)