At least nine people were reported dead in a devastating blaze at a firecracker unit in Viragalur village of Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu on Monday. Five others sustained injuries in the incident and have been hospitalised.

Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his condolences to the victims and declared financial aid for their families.

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As per PTI, the precise cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Five individuals who sustained injuries have been hospitalised at Thanjavur Medical College Hospital and are receiving specialised medical care, the Chief Minister said.

In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Stalin assigned his cabinet colleagues SS Sivasankar and CV Ganesan to oversee and expedite rescue and relief efforts. He has also announced financial assistance, offering Rs 3 lakh as ex-gratia to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those with severe injuries, and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries.

(With PTI inputs)