Worker killed, nine injured in blast at fireworks unit near Sattur

Virudhunagar: A worker was killed and nine others sustained injuries in a blast at an illegally functioning fireworks unit near Sattur on Monday.The deceased was identified as P Pandi, 38, of Thayilpatti. Nine workers — Rajkumar, Selvam, Ramesh, Karuppasamy, Santhi, Jansirani, Jaya, Ramalakshmi and a 15-year-old girl who sustained injuries were admitted to the Sivakasi govt hospital for treatment.According to police sources, Excel Fireworks, owned by Kannan, is situated in Chathirapatti village near Sattur. On Monday, as many as 60 workers were engaged in the manufacture of crackers. At around 9.30am, a major blast was triggered due to friction from a working shed. Thick white smoke rose more than 50 feet high and was visible in the area. People residing around the villages few kilometres away from the unit also experienced the tremors from the blast.Fire and rescue services personnel from Vembakottai, Sivakasi and Sattur fire stations rushed to the spot with five fire tenders. Since the blast continued inside the unit for nearly an hour, it delayed the rescue operations. Thereafter, the fire and rescue services personnel entered the unit and doused the fire.Due to the impact of the blast, 10 working sheds inside the unit were completely demolished. Five two-wheelers and a van parked inside the unit were also damaged. Following the incident, police and revenue officials inspected the unit. Official sources said that preliminary inquiry revealed the unit was functioning illegally without renewing the licence. The owner also illegally employed a 15-year-old girl in the unit in violation of the norms.The Vembakottai police registered a case and arrested Kannan. Police are on a lookout for Muniyasamy, the foreman of the unit. Further investigation is underway.In a statement, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, who is contesting from Sattur constituency, said that every year more than 10 accidents are reported in fireworks units around Vembakottai region. He condemned the DMK govt for failing to take steps to prevent such incidents. He said that after he is elected, he would also take steps to constitute an expert committee to scientifically study the reasons for such accidents and take steps to prevent them.He also said that he would take steps to establish a govt hospital in Vembakottai, in order to avoid any delay in treatment to the injured workers.