Overview

• The explosion at the Hindustan Fireworks plant in Keezha Thayilpatti occurred at 8:50 a.m. on July 6, killing 50-year-old M. Balagurusamy and injuring five workers who were treated at Sivakasi Government Hospital.
• Flames spread through more than ten working sheds after the blast, with strong winds fuelling the fire and flying debris harming nearby employees.
• The factory held a Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation licence, and officials believe friction during aerial fireworks assembly set off the explosion.
• Virudhunagar District Revenue Officer R. Rajendran suspended the plant’s sulphur licence pending a comprehensive safety investigation.
• Vembakottai police arrested foreman Loganathan in connection with the accident and have launched a search for the missing factory owner.