In one of the deadliest accidents at a fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu in recent times, 23 workers were killed, and eight others were injured in an explosion at Vanaja Fireworks Unit in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar on Sunday (April 19, 2026). A second explosion at the unit injured 17, including six policemen and four firemen. Rescuers and journalists, including this correspondent and his photographer colleague, who had gathered at the spot narrowly escaped unhurt.

Most victims were charred beyond recognition, with many bodies blown away by the impact of the explosion. Firemen were seen collecting mutilated body parts strewn all around the unit. Many bodies were pulled out from the debris after one of the sheds came down crashing over the workers.