Blasts in fireworks factory kill 11, injure 34 in southern India
Several explosions at a fireworks factory killed at least 11 workers and injured 34 others in the Virudhunagar district of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state on Friday.
The explosions happened while chemicals were being mixed by the workers to make fireworks in the factory, Indian officials said.
Those who injured in the explosion were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to the local reports.
Several fire engines raced to the scene to fight the fire, which destroyed four sheds in the factory.
Meanwhile, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and his condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Fire at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu is saddening. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope that those injured recover soon. Authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected,” Modi tweeted.
Fire at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu is saddening. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover soon. Authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected: PM @narendramodi
Fireworks manufacturing is a big business in India, where many illegal factories produce fireworks that are cheaper to buy than legally made ones. (ILKHA)