Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu Feb 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday condoled the loss of lives in fireworks manufacturing factory explosion at Virudhunagar district and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those lost their lives from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.



“Fire at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar 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,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.



An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each has been approved from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a fire in Virudhunagar. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured, Mr.Modi said.



Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in his tweet said “heartfelt condolences to the victims of the firecracker factory fire in Virudhunagar. Its heart wrenching to think of those still trapped inside. I appeal to the state government to provide immediate rescue, support & relief, he said.



Expressing deep condolences and sympathy to the families of the 11 persons who lost their lives in the fireworks factory explosion, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs one lakh each to seriously injured persons from the Chief Minister’s General Relief Fund.



I was deeply saddened to hear the news that 36 people had been injured in this explosion, he said in a statement.



Mr.Palaniswami said he have directed the district administration and the hospital authorities to provide best treatment to the injured people.



He also ordered a proper investigation into the accident and legal action. The concerned district collectors should inspect the fireworks factories from time to time to ensure the safety of the workers, he added.



Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit expressed deep condolences to the families of those lost their lives in the explosion.



“I am shocked and grieved to hear about the fire accident in cracker unit. I join the people of Tamil Nadu in praying for the early and complete recovery of the injured admitted in hospitals, a release from Raj Bhavan said.



DMK President and Leader of the opposition, M.K.Stalin also expressed shock and grief over the tragedy.



UNI GSM-GV 1810