Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu | January 3, 2026
Two minor boys from Assam tragically died in a fire accident at an illegal firecracker fuse manufacturing unit near Sattur in Virudhunagar district on Friday evening.
The victims have been identified as Shakibul Ali (16) and Zaithul Hussain (15). Preliminary investigations revealed that the unit was operating illegally under the guise of a drinking water treatment plant.
According to police, the incident occurred at a farm on Sirukulam-K Mettupatti road near Sattur, allegedly owned by Kavitha, wife of Saravanan from Nathathupatti. Several migrant workers from Assam, including minors, were employed in the hazardous facility where machinery was used to produce highly inflammable cracker fuses.
A spark from an electrical short circuit ignited the materials, causing a rapid fire that charred the two boys to death on the spot.
Fire brigade personnel from Sattur and police quickly responded, extinguishing the blaze. The bodies were recovered and sent to Sattur Government Hospital for postmortem.
Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police Kannan visited the site for an inquiry. Appayanaickenpatti police have registered a case and are investigating the owners for running an unauthorized unit and employing child labor in dangerous conditions.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over illegal firecracker manufacturing in the region, despite strict regulations.
