Virudhunagar, Jan 1 (UNI) In a tragic incident, four workers were killed and

eight others injured in a blast at a private fireworks factory at Kalathur village

near Sivakasi here on Saturday.

Police said the fire broke out in R.K.V.M. Fireworks factory, leading to a series

of explosions that razed down six warehouses and sheds, where huge stock

of crackers and highly inflammable chemicals were stored.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the blast occurred due to friction while

handling chemicals leading to a major fire.

Fire tenders rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire after battling hard for

a few hours.

The workers had come to the factory to attend a puja, organized by the factory

owner C.Vazhividu Murugan (38) to mark the New Year. Shortly after the puja

ended, a group of workers began mixing highly inflammable chemicals meant

for making fancy variety crackers, when the explosion took place.

The deceased were identified as S.Kumar (38), P.Periyasamy (65), S.Veerakumar

(40) and S.Murugesan (35).

The injured were admitted to the Centre of Excellence to treat Burn injuries at the

Sivakasi Government Hospital.

The injured, included an eight-year-old boy who had accompanied his father for

the puja.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Madurai range N.Kamini and other senior

police officials visited the site and held inquiries.

The police were also investigating to ascertain if there were any violation of

safety norms.