An explosion at a cracker unit at Viswanatham near here, triggered by lightning, killed an employee, M. Pandi (38) of Samathuvapuram near here on Monday evening.
The police said that the chemical mixing shed was razed down to the ground following the explosion that was reported around 4.30 p.m. No one else was injured in the accident.
Work halted early
With the sky remaining overcast and thunder and lightning threatening since afternoon, work in the cracker unit was halted much early than the usual working hours.
However, when Pandi attempted to lock the chemical mixing room, lightning struck it resulting in an explosion.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Sivakasi had to retrieve the body that was caught under the debris.
The body has been taken to the Government Hospital in Sivakasi. The Sivakasi East police are investigating.