An inferno broke out at a firecracker factory in southern India on Sunday, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others in a devastating incident that has once again cast a spotlight on safety lapses in high-risk industries.
The blaze started at a licensed facility in Virudhunagar district, in Tamil Nadu, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and trapping workers inside.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene, where rescue operations continued for hours as teams combed through debris in search of survivors.
“We have confirmed at least 20 people dead from the scene,” Local police chief N. Shreenatha confirmed. He noted that the cause of the fire had not yet been established and investigations were ongoing.
At least six people sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, with authorities cautioning that the death toll could rise.
In a message of condolence, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as deeply distressing .
Industrial accidents remain a recurring concern in India, particularly in sectors such as fireworks manufacturing where hazardous materials are routinely handled.
Safety experts have frequently pointed to poor compliance with regulations and weak enforcement mechanisms as key contributing factors.
The latest incident comes just days after a deadly explosion at a power plant in central India killed more than 20 people.
Last month, another fire at a fireworks factory in western India claimed 17 lives, underscoring a troubling pattern of fatal workplace disasters.
As authorities investigate the cause of Sunday’s blaze, questions are once again being raised about whether enough is being done to protect workers in some of the country’s most dangerous industries
