At least 25 people were killed and four others seriously injured in an explosion at the Vanaja Fireworks Industry in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India, on Sunday evening.
Approximately 50 workers were inside the factory premises when the blast occurred, despite the facility reportedly being closed for the day. A second explosion during initial rescue operations injured 13 more people.
The cause of the initial blast remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. Police are searching for the factory owner and foreman, who are reportedly absconding. Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims, most of whom are reported to be women.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety standards in India's firecracker industry, which supplies pyrotechnics for numerous cultural events. Officials confirmed the factory held a valid license but are examining potential safety violations, noting the factory's operation on a Sunday as a primary breach.