Current affairs

Shocker from TN: At least 12 dead in a fire accident in fireworks factory! PM Modi and TN CM EPS offer solatium

By alagu, 12 February, 2021
Tamilnadu, Sivakasi, Accident

In a shocking development, a fire accident at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu had killed at least 12 people and injured over 36 others, who have been getting treated at various hospitals with some remaining critical, pushing the state to brace up for more deaths. 

The incident has happened in the afternoon hours of Friday and the sudden mishap has left several people to trap under the debris. The rescue teams were deployed to the spot and they have been carrying out the measures to rescue the trapped people and rushing them to the hospital. According to reports, around ten fire-fighting units from various locations have been rushed to the spot to extinguish the fire. The visuals from the spot had shown that some areas of the factory were charred to collapse. 

The factory, Sree Mariyammal fireworks, is located in Acchankulam village near Elayirampannai, Virudhunagar. Addressing the media, the police said that about 80% of the injured people are still in a critical state, which shockingly revealed that the death toll could increase amid the measures to respond to the accident. The law enforcement agency has launched the probe into the fire accident, the cause behind the mishap, and to ascertain how the fire started inside the factory.

The injured people have been getting treated at the Government Hospital in Sattur, Virudhunagar. It has been reported that the factory has taken in the lease and has been manufacturing the crackers. The police had installed and deployed a special team to nab the owner of the factory who has been at large after the incident. Soon after the fire accident came to light, several leaders have been expressing their support and condolences to the families of the deceased. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the fire accident is saddening and asserted that the authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected. He also had announced solatium for the families of the deceased. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister's Office said, "Fire at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu is saddening. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope those injured recover soon. Authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected". 

Narendra Modi's office further tweeted, "An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each has been approved from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a fire in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured". Congress MP and former party president Rahul Gandhi has expressed his condolences and appealed to the state government to provide immediate rescue, support, and relief. 

Taking to Twitter, Rahul Gandhi said, "Heartfelt condolences to the victims of the firecracker factory fire in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. It’s heart-wrenching to think of those still trapped inside. I appeal to the state government to provide immediate rescue, support & relief." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami has also expressed his condolences and ordered the district administration to carry out the relief efforts. 

Edappadi Palaniswami has announced the ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased while he also announced the solatium of Rs 1 lakh each for those who were injured and getting treated at the hospital. It must be noted that at least five people were killed in a similar accident at a firework manufacturing unit near Madurai last October. Ahead of Diwali, the fire accident was reported in Rajalakshmi fireworks in Sengulam, which is around 65 kilometers from Madurai city. 

 

You may also like

Comments