At least 23 people killed in massive explosion at Virudhunagar firecracker unit
Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): At least 23 people were charred to death, and six others sustained grievous injuries following a massive explosion at a private firecracker manufacturing unit near here, police said on Sunday.
According to police and fire service officials, four of the six injured are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.
The explosion occurred at the ‘Vanaja’ fireworks factory owned by one Muthumanickam, in Kattanarpatti near here. The place is located within the Vachakarapatti police station limits.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the unit reportedly holds a license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur. Over 100 labourers were reportedly engaged in work in the complex.
The blast is believed to have originated in the front veranda area, where workers were allegedly handling raw materials and engaged in the final stages of manufacturing firecrackers.
The impact of the blast was so severe that at least three rooms were reduced to rubble, and several adjacent structures were completely levelled.
"We have recovered 23 bodies so far, many of which were charred beyond recognition," a police official told PTI.
The officials are yet to ascertain the sex of the bodies recovered.
Of the six injured, three are women and have sustained 60 per cent burn injuries, the police official added.
Sources said fire and rescue services personnel battled the flames for several hours. Rescue operations were significantly hampered as crackers continued to burst long after the initial explosion. There are fears that more workers may be trapped under the debris.
This incident marks the deadliest industrial accident in the region this year. It comes just days after a similar blast in the Vembakottai area of the same district that claimed four lives.
Further details are awaited as the search and rescue operation continues.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his sorrow and said that he sent two ministers to the site to expedite rescue operations.
In a post on X, he said, "The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker unit explosion that occurred in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives".
"I have requested Ministers K K S S R Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the site immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families," he added.
"Upon learning of this accident, I have contacted the district collector and given instructions to coordinate all necessary assistance," he further said.
Conveying his “deep sadness” at the tragedy, Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wished a “swift recovery to all those injured".
“These were workers who left home in the morning to earn a living for their families. My thoughts are with the grieving families, and I wish a swift recovery to all those injured,” he wrote on his official X account.
Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also took to X to convey her condolences.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic explosion at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, that has claimed many lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts are with those injured, and I pray for their speedy recovery,” wrote Vadra.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
