Greece offered its "heartfelt condolences" following a massive explosion at a firecracker unit in southern Indian on Wednesday led to the deaths of at least 11 people and injured nearly 20 others.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives following an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram district, India. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of India and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured," the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives following an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram district, #India. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the govt & people of #India & wishes for a swift recovery to the injured pic.twitter.com/IDplWeNXt4
— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) March 22, 2023
Narendran Fireworks at Kuruvimalai, near Orikkai village, Kancheepuram district, had reportedly violated the standard time of operation in summer, The Times of India reported.
Though the factory is a licensed firecracker manufacturing unit, it reportedly did not possess a No Objection Certificate from the Fire and Rescue Service Department, South First reported.
The building that housed the manufacturing-cum-storage facility collapsed under the impact of the explosion. At least 35 workers were working inside the unit, and three others were working with chemicals outside the factory under the hot sun.
The Fire and Rescue Department’s stations at Kanchipuram, Uthiramerur, and Sriperumbudur rushed fire tenders and equipped personnel reached the scene to carry out rescue operations and douse the fire.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be found, officials suspect that the accident might have been caused by a chemical reaction while mixing chemicals in summer heat.
Narendran, the factory owner, has reportedly been charged with various offences, including negligence, and has been remanded to judicial custody.
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