Thoothukudi, May 27 (IANS) Police have launched an investigation after two people were killed and another seriously injured in a powerful explosion that occurred at an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit near Kovilpatti in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district.

The incident happened on Tuesday late in night. According to police sources, the explosion took place at a private building located in the Kattu Kovil area of Puliyankulam village near Kovilpatti, where firecrackers were reportedly being manufactured illegally.

Authorities suspect that the victims were engaged in preparing fireworks materials when a sudden blast ripped through the structure, causing the building to collapse completely.

The deceased have been identified as Ayyappan, a native of Puliyankulam village, and Malathi, who hailed from Pullagoundanpatti in neighbouring Virudhunagar district. Both were trapped under the debris following the explosion and died on the spot due to the impact of the blast.

Another person, identified as Surya Prakash, sustained serious injuries in the incident. He was rescued from the rubble by emergency personnel and admitted to the Kovilpatti Government Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources said his condition remains critical.

Soon after receiving information about the blast, personnel from the Kovilpatti Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations. Firefighters and rescue workers removed the debris and recovered the bodies of the victims from the collapsed structure. The bodies were later shifted to the Kovilpatti Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Senior revenue and police officials also visited the site to assess the situation and supervise the preliminary inquiry.

Kovilpatti Sub-Collector Hiyuman Sumangal, DSP Jagannathan and Tahsildar Appanaraj inspected the accident site and reviewed the rescue efforts.

Police officials said the exact cause of the explosion was yet to be determined, though preliminary findings indicate that highly inflammable chemicals used in firecracker production may have triggered the blast.

Investigators are also examining whether the unit was operating without mandatory licences and safety clearances.

The Kovilpatti West Police have registered a case and commenced a detailed investigation into the incident. Authorities are expected to question local residents and examine the source of the explosive materials used at the site.

–IANS

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