At least 17 are feared dead after an explosion took place at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar. Following the blast, CM MK Stalin ordered the ministers to rush at the site.
“So far, 8 bodies
have been recovered from the site,” a fire and rescue department official confirmed to ANI, adding that operations to rescue people feared trapped inside is ongoing.
Following the incident, President Droupadi Murmu also shared condolences on the loss of lives. She wrote on X, “The loss of lives in a tragic accident at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
In a post on X, Union Home MInister Amit Shah expressed grief and wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic fire accident at Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Deeply saddened by the tragic fire accident at Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 19, 2026
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, he wrote on X,”The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker factory explosion that occurred in Kattanapatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.”
VIDEO | Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu: Several feared dead in a firecracker factory blast near Kattanarpatti. pic.twitter.com/FLJBiukUtG
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2026
The Chief Minister said he has directed senior ministers to reach the site immediately. “I have requested the esteemed Ministers K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the scene immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families,” he added.
விருதுநகர் மாவட்டம் கட்டனார்பட்டியில் ஏற்பட்ட பட்டாசு ஆலை வெடி விபத்தில் பலர் உயிரிழந்துள்ள துயரச் செய்தி மிகுந்த வேதனையளிக்கிறது. உயிரிழந்தோரின் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள்.
மீட்புப் பணிகளை விரைவுபடுத்திக் கண்காணிக்கவும், பாதிக்கப்பட்ட குடும்பங்களுக்கு ஆறுதல்…
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) April 19, 2026
Stalin also said he has spoken to the District Collector and instructed officials to ensure all necessary assistance is provided. “Upon learning of this, I have contacted the District Collector and instructed them to coordinate all necessary assistance,” he said.
