A devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, on April 26, 2025, has resulted in at least three fatalities and injuries to seven others. The incident occurred at Standard Fireworks, a private unit owned by Rajarathinam, located in the M Pudupatti area.
Initial reports indicate that the explosion was likely triggered by friction during the mixing of chemicals for firecracker production. The blast occurred around 11 a.m. when workers were engaged in their routine manufacturing activities. The impact of the explosion was severe, with one working shed completely destroyed and 16 others partially damaged. Authorities report that the bodies of the deceased, all women, were recovered and sent for postmortem examination. They have been identified as V. Kalaiselvi (33), R. Thiruvaimozhi (45), and M. Mariyammal (51). The injured, also women, are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals. Among them, D. Packiya Lakshmi (50) suffered 100 percent burns, and A. Ramasubbu sustained 40 percent burn injuries.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Sivakasi and Srivilliputhur, comprising 40 members and four fire tenders, were immediately dispatched to the scene. It took approximately two hours to extinguish the blaze. Preliminary investigations suggest that improper handling of chemicals may have been the primary cause of the accident.
The incident is under investigation by police and revenue department officials. Virudhunagar district Sub-Collector Priya Ravichandran and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) officers are also on site. The area has been cordoned off as a safety precaution.
Sivakasi is a major hub for firecracker production in India, accounting for a significant portion of the country's fireworks industry. Such incidents, however, are not uncommon in the region. A similar explosion on January 4, 2025, at another firecracker unit in Virudhunagar resulted in six deaths and several injuries. In 2012, a massive explosion at Om Sakthi Fireworks Industries in Sivakasi claimed the lives of 40 people and injured over 70. That particular factory was operating without a valid license at the time. These recurring accidents raise serious concerns about safety standards and regulatory oversight in the firecracker industry in Sivakasi.
