Krishnagiri firecracker explosion: Death toll reaches nine, 11 injured

Jul 29, 2023, 18:30 IST

Chennai, July 29 (IANS) The death toll in the explosion at a firecracker godown in Krishnagiri on Saturday reached nine while eleven people have sustained injuries who have been admitted in various hospitals.

The owner of the godown along with his wife and two children have also died in the explosion. They have been identified as Ravi (42), the owner of the godown, his wife Jayasree (40), daughter Rithika (19), son Rutheesh (21).

The other deceased have been identified as Rajeswari (45) -- owner of a eatery, two others -- Ibrahim (21) and Imran (8). Two more bodies are yet to be identified.

Police said that the blast occurred due to the explosion of a gas cylinder at an eatery adjacent to the godown. The explosion resulted in a massive fire which engulfed the godown, house, welding unit, and a restaurant.

Police said that few bodies are still trapped under the cement rubble. They said that the fire and rescue services along with the police are trying their best to remove the rubble to reach to the bodies.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has paid condolences and announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakhs for the deceased families.

The government also announced compensation of Rs 1 lakh to those who have sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment. An amount of Rs 50,000 has also been announced for those who have suffered minor injuries.

#WATCH | கிருஷ்ணகிரி: பழைய பேட்டையில் உள்ள பட்டாசு குடோனில் ஏற்பட்ட பயங்கர வெடி விபத்தில் 4 பேர் பலி, 10க்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் படுகாயம்; அதிர்ச்சியில் உறைந்த மக்கள்!#SunNews | #CrackerGoodownFire | #Krishnagiri pic.twitter.com/LuVWQrsTZx

— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) July 29, 2023

The Chief Minister Stalin has instructed Civil Supplies Minister R. Sakkarpani to oversee the rescue operations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed condolences over the tragedy and said that he was deeply saddened to know about the tragic fire accident in a crackers factory in Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu).

“I extend my sincerest condolences to the family members of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Shah tweeted.

Pertinently, two women also died following an explosion at a firecracker unit in Sivakasi a week ago.

Deeply saddened by the tragic mishap at a cracker factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of precious lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this extremely difficult time. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 29, 2023