11 people were killed and at least 12 others injured in a huge fire that broke out at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu`s Virudhunagar district on Friday, police said.
The death toll is likely to go up as the condition of some of the injured admitted to Sivakasi government hospital is stated to be critical.
Police said the fire in the factory in Achankulam near Sattur in Virudhunagar broke out when some chemicals were being mixed to produce firecrackers. Four cracker making sheds were destroyed.
10 firefighting vehicles rushed to the spot from various surrounding locations like Sattur, Sivakasi and Vembakottai to douse the flames, while officials from police, revenue and other departments also reached there for rescue and relief works.
Chief Minister E.K. Palaniswami expressed grief over the death of 11 persons in the fire. He announced Rs 3 lakh each as solatium to kin of the bereaved families and Rs 1 lakh each to the critically injured.
"I`m deeply in grief after hearing that 11 persons working in a firework industry died after a mishap and 36 injured. I deeply extend my condolences to the next of kin," CM Palaniswami said.
He also directed District Collectors to ensure safety of cracker unit workers during the summer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy. The Prime Minister`s Office tweeted that authorities were working on the ground to assist those affected.
PMO announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia each from PMNRF for the next of kin of the deceased. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
"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," said the Prime Minister.