NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, FEB 12
Several people were reported dead after a massive fire that broke out at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu on Friday. The private factory is located in Achangulam area near Sathur.
Eleven deaths have been reported as of now, with more than 36 injured. The injured have been admitted to the Sivakasi government hospital.
The incident took place while some chemicals were being mixed to produce fireworks, police said.
Ten firefighting units from various locations have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire.
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 12, 2021
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in a tweet expressed grief and said authorities are working to assist those affected by the fire.
An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each has been approved from the PMNRF for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 each for those seriously injured, the PMO said in another tweet.
https://twitter.com/TNGOVDIPR/status/1360192261846306819
Chief Minister K Palaniswami has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each for those critically injured.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences to the victims of the fire, urging the state government to provide immediate rescue, support and relief.
