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18 killed, 6 injured in massive firecracker factory blast in Kattanarpatti, Tamil Nadu
ET Online | April 19, 2026 10:19 PM CST

Synopsis

A devastating explosion ripped through a firecracker factory in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu on Sunday. The blast claimed the lives of 18 people and left six others injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his condolences and dispatched ministers to the site to oversee rescue efforts. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region.

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Debris and damaged structures seen after a blast at a firecracker manufacturing factory in Tamil Nadu (Representative Image)
A massive explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar, leaving at least 18 people dead, while six others sustained injuries, PTI reported on Sunday, citing officials.

"So far, 8 bodies have been recovered from the site," a fire and rescue department official confirmed to ANI, adding that the operation to rescue people feared trapped inside is ongoing.

"...My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I have requested the Ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations..." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said in a post on X.


As per a PTI report, the factory blast occurred when about 30 workers were engaged in routine manufacturing-related processes at the firecrackers unit. The employees said that portions of the building also collapsed under the impact of explosion.

Tamil Nadu factory blast


Stalin has also contacted the District Collector and instructed them to coordinate all necessary assistance on the accident spot.

Earlier on April 13, a massive explosion occurred at a fireworks factory near Sattur in Virudhunagar district at an Excel fireworks factory in Madathupatti near Sattur.

(With inputs from agencies)


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