Virudhunagar: A 50-year-old woman guest worker was charred to death, and four others sustained severe burn injuries in an explosion at an illegal firecracker fuse unit near Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district on Wednesday evening.
Victims Identified
The deceased was identified as Savitri Ghosh, a native of Assam. The injured include Kodeeswaran, 45, of Krishnapuram, who suffered 80% burns, and his son Azhagu Nambi, 19, with 40% burns. Two other guest workers from Assam, Sanjeev, 30, and Miras, 20, were also injured. All have been admitted to a government hospital for treatment.
Illegal Operation
Police revealed that the shed, originally used for cattle rearing, had been leased by Ajith of Sivakasi. He ran an illegal unit producing firecracker fuses at Mancholai Colony near Dhalavaipuram.
A preliminary inquiry indicated that the accident occurred when sparks from welding work in another section of the shed ignited chemicals, causing a sudden fire that engulfed the shed, leading to Savitri's immediate death.
Rescue and Investigation
Fire and rescue personnel rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control. The body of the deceased has been sent for autopsy, and the injured are receiving treatment at Rajapalayam government hospital.
Dhalavaipuram police have registered a case and launched a search for Ajith, who is currently absconding.
