At least 25 killed in firecracker factory blast in Tamil Nadu, India

An explosion at the Vanaja Fireworks Industry firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, killed at least 25 people on Sunday evening.

Four others were seriously injured in the initial blast.

The factory was supposed to be closed, but about 50 workers were inside at the time, officials said.

A second explosion occurred during rescue operations, injuring 13 more people, though none sustained serious burns, according to District Collector NO Sukhaputra.

Most of the victims were women, and 22 of the 25 deceased have been identified so far.

The blast damaged at least three rooms and reduced parts of the building to rubble.

Rescue efforts were slowed as firecrackers continued to explode inside the factory.

The factory owner and foreman are currently absconding, and police have filed complaints against them.

Four special teams have been formed to locate and arrest the suspects.

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