Image credits- The News Minute
The enormous blast at a firecracker warehouse in Viragalur has resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives. While the specific origin of the fire is unknown, a senior official with the Fire and Emergency Services Department suspects that firecrackers in the three vehicles came into contact with a high-tension overhead electric wire.
In response to the event, Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his condolences for the deaths of nine individuals and pledged financial assistance for their families. Further, he announced Rs 3 lakh ex-gratia each to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 to those with simple injuries. The injured have been sent to a district hospital in the district.
VIDEO | Several feared dead after an explosion occured at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/avsOrMRrlt
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 9, 2023
Recently, in a similar event, a fire broke out at a firecracker shop in Attibele, in Bengaluru, Karnataka’s urban region. 14 individuals were killed in this tragedy near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. Firefighters are battling to extinguish the fire which has also spread to a nearby godown.
As Diwali approaches, there is a rising need for the government and the firework industry to work together to prevent such devastating incidents. In the wake of events like these, it is necessary to engage local communities in safety initiatives. Residents should be encouraged to report unsafe practices and raise awareness about the risks associated with fireworks. It is crucial for the government, to take proactive steps to prevent such accidents in the future, involving a comprehensive approach that combines regulation, and collaboration with the fireworks industry to ensure the safety of both workers and the public during festive seasons like Diwali.