Chennai: An explosion tore through a fireworks' manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district on Saturday, resulting in the death of at least 10 individuals, including four women, and leaving seven others injured.

The tragic incident occurred at a cracker unit located in Ramuthevanpatti, Vembakkottai block, during the noon hours of Saturday while employees were engaged in mixing chemicals for fancy crackers.

According to a senior official from the Virudhunagar district administration, the explosion was caused by a man-made error. "We discovered eight bodies in the room where chemicals are mixed for producing crackers. Regulations dictate that only two individuals should be present in the room during the mixing process," the official stated.

The explosion occurred within the chemical mixing room, resulting in significant casualties. "It appears that all eight individuals were either inside the room or just outside, engaging in conversation," the official remarked.

Authorities have initiated legal action against the owner and manager of the unit, both of whom are currently evading capture. "Special teams have been deployed to apprehend the suspects," confirmed another official, who also announced a comprehensive magisterial inquiry into the incident.

Expressing his condolences for the 10 lives lost, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced compensation of Rs 3 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He assigned Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Labour Minister C V Ganesan to visit the injured and the victims' families.

Tragically, accidents within firecracker units due to negligence and human error are not uncommon in Virudhunagar and Sivakasi, home to over 1,000 factories that produce firecrackers catering to 90% of the nation's demand.