India: Fireworks factory explosion, 23 casualties

A major explosion at a fireworks factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu killed 10 people and injured 13, The Hindu newspaper reported.

The explosion occurred on May 9 (local time) in the chemical storage room of the factory near Sivakasi, in Virudhunagar district, about 540km southwest of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state. The incident also caused a fire there. According to the police, at the time of the explosion, the above-mentioned people were working in the factory.

Smoke rises from the explosion. Photo: India Today

The cause of the massive explosion is still unknown. However, police suspect that friction occurred during the chemical processing process, leading to the explosion. Many witnesses said the explosion was so loud that it could be heard about 1km away. Smoke from the explosion could be observed from a distance.

Explosions are common at fireworks shops and factories in India, often due to disregard for fire safety standards. In February this year, 10 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar.

Scene of the explosion. Photo: PTI

MINH CHAU

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/an-do-no-nha-may-san-xuat-phao-hoa-23-nguoi-thuong-vong-post739198.html