Fireworks factory explosion near Sivakasi causes panic, no major injuries reported

An explosion at a firecracker factory in Pettulupatti, near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday evening sparked panic, though quick action by workers prevented a major tragedy.

The factory, operating under a Nagpur licence, employs over 200 people and has more than 100 rooms. The blast reportedly occurred during the final phase of fancy-type fireworks production due to friction while mixing chemicals.

Two rooms were damaged in the incident.


Workers immediately evacuated the premises, and firefighters from Sivakasi brought the fire under control. Sivakasi East police have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Sivakasi, known as India’s hub for fireworks, frequently faces such accidents, especially ahead of Diwali when production peaks.

With the festival approaching, the Supreme Court recently indicated a possible relaxation of restrictions on green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, allowing their bursting between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali, subject to PESO and NEERI inspections to ensure only approved green crackers are sold.