Tamil Nadu Firecracker Factory Blast: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences over the deaths in a firecracker factory explosion in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district on Sunday, April 19, 2026. At least 19 people were killed and six others injured in the blast at a firecracker unit in Kattanarpatti village, according to IANS report.
“The mishap in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu is deeply distressing. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
HM Shah said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and extended his sympathies to the victims’ families.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic fire accident at Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” HM Shah said in a post on X.
According to the reports, the explosion occurred at the Vanaja Firecracker Factory, where around 30 workers were present. The blast damaged multiple rooms and triggered a fire that was later brought under control by firefighters after about an hour.
Rescue teams recovered bodies from the debris, Superintendent of Police Sreenatha said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin also expressed grief and said he had directed ministers to visit the site and oversee relief efforts.
“The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker factory explosion that occurred in Kattanapatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” CM Stalin wrote.
He said he had directed ministers K. K. S. S. R. Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to visit the site to oversee rescue operations and provide support to affected families.
CM Stalin also said he had spoken to the district collector and instructed officials to ensure all necessary assistance for those affected.