At least 12 workers killed in Virudhunagar explosion, rescue efforts underway amid fears of rising toll.
April 19, 2026: At least 12 workers, including women, were killed in a powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti in Virudhunagar district on Sunday. According to police, several others were injured, and the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue searching through the debris. Around 30 workers were reportedly present at the factory when the blast occurred, triggering a massive fire.
The explosion caused parts of the building to collapse, leaving many trapped under the rubble. The factory was completely gutted in the blaze that followed, complicating rescue efforts. Emergency teams rushed to the site to control the fire and locate survivors, while authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
M. K. Stalin expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to provide immediate assistance to victims and their families. He instructed ministers to reach the spot and oversee rescue operations, while also asking district authorities to ensure all necessary support. The tragedy has once again raised concerns over safety measures in firecracker units in the region.