Two cracker unit workers killed in explosion

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, APRIL 7. Two workers of a private cracker unit died and four others including two women sustained serious burns in an explosion at the factory at Paneervakkam in Sholavaram this afternoon.

Police identified the deceased as Rajendran (56) and Shanmugam (69). The injured- Ms.Meenakshi (40), Ms.Kumari (30), Mr.Hari (28) of Red Hills and Mr.Dorai (70) of Palavayal, near Red Hills have been admitted to Kilpauk Medical College hospital.

In the impact, the wall of the unit was destroyed and the building developed cracks.

The injured Mr.Hari, who continued to be in a state of shock said about seven persons were working in the unit when the explosion occurred, with a bang. Soon the area was covered with smoke and the fire spread rapidly inside the unit engulfing all the workers.

Another eyewitness, Mr.Dorai said two workers had a narrow escape as they had stepped out of the unit a few minutes before the explosion.

The factory situated on the GNT Road is a licensed unit, manufacturing ``country crackers'' burst usually during temple festivals.

A case has been registered by the Sholavaram police.

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