9 killed in firecracker unit blast in Cuddalore, CM announces Rs 2 lakh relief

Chennai

The injured have been rushed to the hospital, police officer Pandiyan, who was present at the blast site, said. The police have also launched a probe to ascertain the cause of explosion, which has completely damaged the building. The factory is located in Kattumannarkoil area of Cuddalore district, 190 km away from Chennai.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each to them.

He said he had directed Industries Minister M C Sampath and the District Collector to ensure appropriate treatment to the injured and also visit the grieving families and console them. DMK President and Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly M K Stalin and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam founder TTV Dhinakaran also expressed grief over the incident. Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit also condoled the death of the women.

“I offer my deep condolences to the families of those who are mourning the loss of their near and dear ones,” he said, according to a communique from the Raj Bhavan.

The factory owner Gandhimathi and eight other women were allegedly involved in making country firecrackers at the unit in Kurungudi village in Kattumannarkoil when a sudden explosion ripped through the structure, police said.

“We are investigating the cause of the blast. There was no fire mishap. Probably some chemical substance like nitrate was stocked at the factory,” Cuddalore District Superintendent of Police M Sree Abhinav said.