Madurai (Tamil Nadu): At least five people, including three women, were killed in a blast at a fireworks factory at Chengulam area near D.Kallupatti on Friday.
Citing initial probe, police said chemicals which were being mixed and stuffed caught fire due to friction leading to a series of explosions, severely damaging the factory building.
The victims of the fire accident were charred to death. Several other workers managed to escape to safety, police said, adding fire service units from Virudhunagar and Srivilliputhur were used to put out the blaze.
Condoling the deaths, DMK president M K Stalin demanded that the government ensure safety measures in fireworks factories ahead of Diwali. He sought adequate compensation for the bereaved families.
More than 50 people were working in this factory that was owned by Alagarsamy.
The incident happened during the manufacturing process. Though the fire started out as a small accident, it spread to other rooms, resulting in a huge explosion.
Workers who suffered burn injuries are currently admitted in Virudhunagar Government Hospital.
Firefighters from Virudhunagar and Thirumangalam fire stations carried out search and rescue operations for about two hours. D. Kallupatti police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
Police are now in search for the absconded cracker factory owner Alagarsamy. District Superintendent of Police Sujith Kumar visited the spot.
