Chennai: As many as eight were killed and 11 others were injured in an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. 

As per media reports, many houses and shops situated near the factory were damaged due to the impact of the explosion. 

Police and fire team have reached the spot and rescue is underway. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the disturbing incident and announced ex-gratia Rs 2 lakhs to the family of the deceased.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic mishap at a cracker factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of precious lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this extremely difficult time. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PMO tweeted.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed their condolences to the dead and prayed for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. 

“Deeply saddened to know about the tragic fire accident in a crackers factory in Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu). I extend my sincerest condolences to the family members of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” tweeted the Home Minister. 

“Hon’ble Chief Minister @mkstalin has announced condolence and financial assistance to the family of the deceased in the firecracker shop accident in Krishnagiri district,” tweeted CMO Tamil Nadu.

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