Two killed, one injured in illegal cracker unit blast in Kovilpatti

Tuticorin: Two workers were killed and one injured in a blast while making a large-sized cracker illegally on Tuesday in Kovilpatti in Tuticorin district. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The deceased workers were identified as Malathi, 22, of Virudhunagar, and Ayyappan, 32, of Puliyankulam. Another worker, Malathi’s husband Sooriya Pragash, 25, suffered 80% burn injuries.

According to the police, five workers were involved in the illegal manufacturing of large-sized crackers, which are made using newspapers near the Puliyankulam area bordering Sattur in Virudhunagar district.

At around 9pm, a sudden explosion was triggered while mixing the chemicals for the crackers, killing the duo instantly and injuring the other.

According to police, the land where the incident took place belongs to Gurunathan, where a small room was constructed. The rest of the two workers escaped unhurt after they went out of the unit to buy refreshment.

Upon receiving information, fire and rescue personnel, along with police, rushed to the spot and started dousing the fire.

Subsequently, they recovered the bodies from the rubble and sent the bodies to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for autopsy, and the injured were referred to Tuticorin Government Medical College Hospital after getting first aid from Kovilpatti GH.

A case was registered by Kovilpatti West Police Station, and the landowner Gurunathan and two other workers, Saravanan and Mareeshwari of Kovilpatti, were arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the workers have experience in making crackers and are involved in manufacturing them illegally.

Police are investigating further.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026