A tragic explosion at a private fireworks manufacturing unit near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, has claimed the lives of six workers, with five others injured, three of them battling for life. The incident occurred on July 1, 2025, at Gokhales Fireworks unit located in Chinnakamanpatti village in Virudhunagar district, a region infamous for recurring firecracker-related tragedies.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the blast was triggered by chemical friction during the handling and production of aerial fireworks goods. The explosion tore through the facility, causing an inferno that quickly engulfed the workspace. Locals reported hearing a loud bang followed by plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.

Fire and rescue teams rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames after several hours. Authorities have ordered a detailed probe into the safety protocols followed by the unit.

This latest incident adds to a grim legacy of industrial accidents in the Sivakasi fireworks belt, raising fresh concerns over worker safety and regulatory oversight.