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At least five people, including a woman, have died in a powerful explosion at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. The explosion reportedly occurred at Gokulesh Firecracker Factory near Chinnakamanpatti in Virudhunagar district.

Thick smoke was seen rising from the factory, with continuous explosions of firecrackers inside. Several severely injured individuals have been rescued so far.

The blast comes just a day after another explosion at a chemical company claimed at least 34 lives in Telangana's Hyderabad. Initially thought to have been 10-12, the toll rose to 34 on Tuesday morning.

What Is Sivakasi Famous For?

Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is renowned for its fireworks industry, which supplies 80%-90% of India's fireworks and pyrotechnic requirements. The industry celebrated its centenary year in 2023. In fact, in May this year, Sivakasi sought a Geographical Indications tag for the fireworks industry here. Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) sought the tag under the manufactured goods category.

Fire Safety Still A Concern In Century-Old Industry

Sivaksi fireworks is a Rs 6000-crore industry, but is still plagued by safety problems. The industry has witnessed around 240 deaths since 2014, according to a report by Deccan Herald. Already dealing with issues concerning the transition from traditional crackers to the green ones, the industry was also hit by allegations of child labour. And then it was hit by Covid.

Sivakasi has over 1,000 fireworks factories, which is nearly two-thirds of the total units in Tamil Nadu. The workers, mostly women, in the fireworks industry are highly skilled. They make most of the crackers by hand from start to end to give us the final packaged product, which we enjoy during Diwali or other occasions.