The explosion occurred when some chemicals were being mixed to produce fireworks at the unit in Acchankulam village, they said, adding the injured had been hospitalised. 

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh for the families of those who died in the blast and Rs 1 lakh for the severely injured. The Centre has announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 for those injured. 

The factory building was damaged badly under the impact of the explosion and many suffered burns. 

Palaniswami, in a statement, said he has ordered a probe into the incident, while assuring due legal action. Virudhunagar ADSP Mariraja said two people were picked up for interrogation and five teams formed to nab owner of the cracker unit, which is a Nagpur-licenced entity.