10 workers killed in TN firecracker unit blast

Ten workers, including six women, were killed and at least 10 others suffered severe injuries after an explosion at a firecracker unit at Sengamalapatti near Sivakasi. According to sources, the explosion at Shri Sudharsan fireworks happened when the workers were engaged in cracker production. The fire was doused after nearly three hours. One of the workers, who survived the explosion, said around 100 employees were working at the factory at the time of the blast and many fled the spot immediately. Police have registered a case and owner Saravanan, manager Muthukumar, and foreman Suresh have been arrested. Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion may have happened due to mishandling of chemicals by the workers.