Kumily: An explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Cumbum has left two people dead and two others seriously injured.

The incident occurred in Kumily when a fire broke out at Lakshmi Cracker, a unit owned by Tirupati and located on Kattupallivasal Road in Kambam Nagar, in Theni district.

According to reports, the accident took place at around 10:00 am on Saturday. Although shops had been closed for two days due to elections in Tamil Nadu, four workers had arrived at the unit as usual that morning.

Shortly after Surya and Dinesh (Dinadayal) entered a room where firecracker materials were stored, a fire broke out, triggering a powerful explosion. Both men died at the scene.

Two other workers, Ayyappan and Nagarjun, sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Theni Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The explosion, accompanied by a loud blast, sent thick plumes of smoke into the surrounding area. Fire and rescue services from Cumbum rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control.

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Police in Theni have registered a case and launched an investigation. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Theni Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Local residents said the firecracker manufacturing unit had been operating in Cumbum for the past two years.