Two workers were killed in a blast in a fireworks unit near here on Thursday.
Police identified the deceased as S. Sundaramoorthy (40) of Viswanatham and S. Azhagarsamy (52) of Sitharajapuram. They said two sheds were razed to the ground following the explosion that was reportedly caused by friction of chemicals when the workers were handling them to make crackers at Krishnasamy Fireworks in Poolaoorani.
“Some of the regular workers were on leave owing to a local festival. Hence, some new workers were employed and they mishandled the chemicals without knowing the safety rules that led to the blast,” Assistant Collector Amar Kushwaha, who inspected the spot, said.
Madurai Superintendent of Police Vijayendra Bidari, who holds additional charge of Virudhunagar district, revenue and other police officials rushed to the spot to take up rescue works.
At least 80 workers were working in the cracker unit that makes fancy fireworks. However, the others managed to escape from the spot, the police said.
The bodies of the two victims were handed over to the family members after post-mortem conducted at the Government Hospital here.
Maraneri police have arrested foreman S. Anandakumar. Fireworks unit owner K. Raju, who has also been booked for negligent use of explosive substance and endangering lives, is absconding.
