One killed, two injured in matches unit blast near Kovilpatti

Tuticorin: A 27-year-old worker was killed and two others sustained severe burn injuries following a massive explosion at a private matches manufacturing unit in Shenbaganeri village near Kovilpatti on Monday morning.The deceased was identified as Karthik, a resident of Vijayapuri village.According to police sources, the unit, owned by Murugan from Duraisamypuram, was in full operation with approximately 25 workers. At around 8am, a sudden blast occurred. The impact of the explosion was so powerful that the factory building was significantly damaged, and Karthik was reportedly thrown several metres away and died instantly.Two other workers, Sudalaimuthu, 42, of Sivakasi, and Ganesan, 47, of Kovilpatti, who were caught in the debris, suffered critical injuries. They were rushed by fellow workers and locals to the Kovilpatti govt hospital, where they are currently undergoing intensive treatment.On receiving information, fire and rescue services personnel from Kovilpatti rushed to the spot and doused the fire to prevent it from spreading to nearby sheds.Nalattinputhur police registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary investigations suggest that friction during the handling of chemical mixtures might have triggered the blast, though officials are also looking into whether the unit was adhering to prescribed safety protocols.Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin expressed his condolences and announced compensation of 4 lakh to the family members of the deceased and 1 lakh each to people who sustained serious injuries.