8 killed in explosion at fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu
What's the story
An explosion at a fireworks factory near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, killed eight people, including five women, on Thursday afternoon.
Twelve others were also injured in the explosion, one of whom is reported to be in critical condition.
Local police have confirmed that the factory was operating with a valid license at the time of the blast.
Ongoing probe
Investigation underway to determine cause of blast
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the explosion.
The factory, located in Sengamalapatti near Sivakasi in the Virudhunagar district, is known for its significant contribution to India's fireworks manufacturing industry.
Over the years, Sivakasi has witnessed several such mishaps, with a similar explosion taking place in February.
A preliminary inquiry revealed that there was overcrowding in the chemical mixing room, and the explosion could have occurred while the chemical was being handled.