Tue Jul 01 06:21:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A fire at the Gokhales Fireworks unit in Chinnakamanpatti village near Sivakasi resulted in the deaths of six workers and injuries to five others, three critically. The explosion occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. and is suspected to have been caused by friction during the chemical handling of aerial fireworks production. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, but eight working sheds were destroyed. Police are investigating, and the injured have been hospitalized.

**News Article:**

**Six Killed, Several Injured in Sivakasi Fireworks Factory Fire**

**SIVAKASI, INDIA – July 1, 2025** – A devastating fire ripped through the Gokhales Fireworks unit in Chinnakamanpatti village, near Sivakasi, Virudhunagar district, earlier today, claiming the lives of six workers. Five other workers sustained injuries in the blaze, with three reported to be in critical condition.

The explosion occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. at the fireworks unit, which is licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Authorities believe the fire was triggered by friction during the handling of chemicals involved in the production of aerial fireworks.

“Initial reports suggest a tragic accident during the manufacturing process,” stated a police spokesperson. “We are investigating the exact cause of the fire.”

Firefighters from the Sivakasi fire and rescue services station responded swiftly to the scene, successfully bringing the fire under control. However, the impact of the blast resulted in the complete destruction of eight working sheds. The bodies of the six deceased workers were recovered from the accident site, and identification is currently underway.

Among the injured are R. Alaguraja (28) of Servaikaranpatti, R. Ramamoorthi (55) and Lingasamy (45) of O. Kovilpatti, all of whom suffered severe burn injuries. They have been admitted to the Government Hospital in Sivakasi.

Virudhunagar district Superintendent of Police D. Kannan is currently on-site overseeing the investigation. This incident is the latest in a series of safety concerns surrounding the fireworks industry in the Sivakasi region, prompting renewed calls for stricter regulations and enforcement.

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