Fire at firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar claims 16 lives

A fire broke out on Friday at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar, ANI reported, claiming 16 lives and injuring 36. The incident happened while some chemicals were being mixed to produce fireworks, police said.

An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each has been approved from PMNRF for victims’ families and Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured, reported ANI quoting Prime Minister’s Office. 

State CM Edappadi K Palaniswami has also announced ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to kin of deceased and Rs 1 lakh for critically injured. “I have instructed district authorities and medical experts to give best treatment to injured, asked local administration to ensure that families of deceased and injured are informed and necessary arrangements made,” said the CM.

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Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit said, “I offer my deep condolences to families of those who are mourning the loss of their near and dear ones. I join the people of Tamil Nadu in praying for the early and complete recovery of the injured admitted in hospitals.”