Chennai, 19 April (UNI) A severe explosion at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu has caused massive loss of life, leaving the entire area in mourning. So far, 19 bodies have been retrieved from the debris, while several others are feared to be trapped under the rubble. Many people have also been injured and have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred at a cracker unit in Katnarpati area of Virudhunagar, where a sudden explosion engulfed four nearby units. The intensity of the blast was such that it damaged nearby buildings and spread panic in the entire area.

Sources said the factory was supposed to be closed on Sundays, but work was ongoing at the time of the accident, raising several questions. Preliminary investigation has revealed that there was a gross violation of safety norms, which may have led to the tragedy.

Relief and rescue teams rushed to the spot immediately after the accident. Fire brigade, police, and other emergency services are working tirelessly to clear the debris and rescue those trapped. The entire area has been cordoned off, with strict security arrangements in place to prevent any further damage.

The police have registered a case and formed four special teams to arrest the culprits. Authorities said a detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident and that those responsible will face severe action.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed deep condolences over the tragic incident, saying the loss of precious lives is extremely painful and that he is with the affected families in their hour of grief. He has directed the concerned ministers to rush to the spot and oversee the relief work, ensuring all possible assistance to the victims.

About 30 workers were present at the site when the accident occurred, and most of the bodies are charred beyond recognition. The blast occurred at the "Vaanaspatakam Manufacturing Unit" owned by Mehtamaniyam. The unit had a valid license to manufacture firecrackers but was operating on a Sunday, despite it being a government holiday.

Several units of fire brigade and rescue teams from Sivakasi, Virudhunagar, and Sattur rushed to the spot and managed to bring the fire under control after much effort. Virudhunagar District Superintendent of Police S P Saravanan and other senior officials supervised the rescue operations.

President Droupadi Murmu has also expressed condolences over the incident, condoling with the affected families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the incident extremely unfortunate and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased.

Lok Sabha Opposition leader and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the workers who lost their lives were laborers who had left their homes to earn a living for their families. He termed the loss as extremely unfortunate and offered prayers for the victims. Similarly, Piyush Goyal has also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The exact cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, but initial indications suggest that a lapse in safety measures may have led to the tragedy. The administration said relief and rescue operations are ongoing, and the situation is being closely monitored.