Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu): A massive explosion triggered by an inferno rocked a private fireworks factory at Keezha Odampatti village near Sattur in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday.
Initial reports, quoting police, said the fire broke out due to suspected friction, resulting in a series of powerful explosions this morning.
Locals said that the magnitude of the explosion was so high that it was felt in several villages located up to a 20-kilometre radius from the factory.
The entire area was engulfed in white smoke as a series of explosions were heard continuously.
Visuals broadcast on television channels show people residing around the factory were running for safety.
Though several firefighters from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services department rushed to the village, they were unable to approach the factory due to intermittent explosions and massive fire.
The entire area has been cordoned off by the police.
It was not known whether workers were trapped inside the factory.
Senior revenue and police officials were camping in the village.
