At least 25 killed in fireworks factory explosion in India’s Tamil Nadu

At least 25 people have been killed after a fireworks factory explosion in Tamil Nadu, India. The blast tore through the facility while workers were inside, with a second explosion hampering rescue efforts. Most victims were women, and several bodies were badly burned. Authorities are investigating, and the factory owner and foreman are missing.

At least 25 people have been killed and several others injured after a massive explosion tore through a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, in what officials say is one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the region in recent times. The blast happened on Sunday evening at the Vanaja Fireworks Industry, a facility involved in the production of firecrackers commonly used across India for festivals, weddings, and other celebrations.
Authorities said the factory was supposed to be closed at the time of the incident, but around 50 workers were still inside when the explosion occurred. The sudden blast triggered a fast-moving fire that spread through the premises, causing extensive damage and trapping workers inside. Parts of the building collapsed, and at least three rooms were completely destroyed, with debris scattered across the site.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, but rescue operations were immediately complicated by continuing explosions of stored firecrackers inside the building. Officials said this made it extremely dangerous for rescuers to enter certain areas, significantly slowing down efforts to retrieve victims. Despite these challenges, firefighters and rescue personnel managed to recover multiple bodies from the rubble.
During the rescue operation, a second explosion reportedly occurred at the site, injuring 13 additional people. Authorities confirmed that although several people were hurt in the secondary blast, none of the injuries were life-threatening, and no serious burns were reported among those affected.
An eyewitness who was later treated for injuries described how workers had been gathered in a veranda area in front of the factory when the fire first broke out. According to the account, the flames spread rapidly, leaving workers little time to escape as the explosion engulfed parts of the building.
Officials have launched a full investigation into the cause of the explosion, which is still unknown. Police said a complaint has been filed against the factory owner and the foreman, both of whom are currently absconding. Authorities have formed at least four special investigation teams tasked with locating and arresting them as part of the ongoing inquiry.
As recovery efforts continued, district officials confirmed that 22 of the 25 recovered bodies had been identified. Most of the victims were reported to be women, many of whom worked in the production and packing sections of the factory. In several cases, the severity of the burns made identification extremely difficult, with some bodies described as being beyond recognition.
The disaster has once again raised serious concerns about safety practices in India’s fireworks industry, which has long faced criticism over poor regulation and unsafe working conditions. Despite being a major source of employment in parts of Tamil Nadu, the industry has been linked to repeated accidents over the years, often attributed to overcrowded facilities, handling of explosive materials, and violations of safety rules.
District Collector NO Sukhaputra said preliminary findings suggest the factory should not have been operating on a Sunday, calling it a clear violation of permitted working conditions. He also noted that although the factory held a valid licence, investigators are examining whether other safety and regulatory breaches may have contributed to the explosion.
The tragedy has prompted strong reactions from political leaders across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as deeply distressing and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, while also wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, calling it a moment of immense grief for the state and directing officials to ensure that all necessary support and relief measures are provided to affected families.