Death toll in matches unit blast rises to three

Tuticorin: The death toll from the explosion at a private matches unit in Shenbaganeri village rose to three after two workers died on Tuesday morning.The deceased were identified as Sudalaimuthu, 42, of Sivakasi, and Ganesan, 47, of Kovilpatti. Both men succumbed to their burn injuries at Kovilpatti govt hospital despite intensive medical intervention.The tragedy initially claimed the life of Karthik, 27, of Vijayapuri, who was killed instantly on Monday morning. The explosion occurred at the unit, owned by Murugan of Duraisamypuram, where workers were loading materials.The impact was so powerful that it significantly damaged the factory structure and threw Karthik several metres away from the building.Fire and rescue services from Kovilpatti doused the flames and prevented the fire from reaching nearby sheds. Preliminary investigation suggests that friction during the handling of chemical mixtures triggered the blast.