At least 23 people killed and eight others were injured, after a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district on Sunday, The Indian Express reported citing officials.
The blast took place in the Kattanarpatti area of Virudhunagar, a district known for its large firecracker manufacturing industry. Officials also said that one firefighter was injured while taking part in rescue operations at the site, as per the IE report.
Providing further details, Dr NO Sukhaputra, District Collector of Virudhunagar, told ANI that 19 bodies have been identified so far, 16 of them are women and 3 are men. “There have been 23 deaths so far in that incident. Of the 23 deaths, 19 bodies have been identified; 16 of them are women, and 3 are men. Six injured are in the ICU. While we were carrying out the rescue operation, a second blast occurred. As a result, approximately 13 people, including the police, our fire and rescue team, revenue team, and volunteers who were involved in the rescue work, are hospitalised,” the news agency quoted him, as saying.
PM Modi expresses grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister’s Office wrote, “The mishap in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest”.
The mishap in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 19, 2026
Rescue operations underway amid fears of more casualties
Emergency services, including fire and rescue personnel, were deployed immediately to contain the situation and search for survivors. Authorities said the explosion caused significant damage to the factory premises, complicating rescue efforts.
Local administration officials are closely monitoring the situation, while medical teams have been mobilised to provide treatment to the injured. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and an investigation is expected to be launched once rescue operations conclude.
CM Stalin expresses grief, orders immediate assistance
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin expressed condolences and instructed the District Collector to coordinate all necessary assistance.
“The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker factory explosion that occurred in Kattanapatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I have requested the esteemed Ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families. Upon learning of this, I have contacted the District Collector and instructed them to coordinate all necessary assistance.”
The incident comes days after another explosion was reported on April 13 at a fireworks unit near Sattur in the same district, raising concerns over safety standards in such factories. Authorities are likely to review compliance measures as part of the investigation into the latest tragedy.