A major fire broke out at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi killing at least 30 people and injuring 70 others with scores others trapped in the raging inferno.
The fire started after an explosion inside the Om Siva Sakthi Fireworks factory at around 12.30 pm today afternoon.
As per a report, nearly 40 of the 48 sheds in the sprawling warehouse had been destroyed in the blaze even as rescue workers are finding it difficult to carry out their operation due to the thick smoke that has engulfed the whole area.
It is feared that toll could further rise as, normally, 300 workers work in the factory at this time of the day.
According to police, the fire from one of the sheds quickly spread to the rest of the factory, thanks to a huge stock of firecrackers being readied for the upcoming festival season.
Hours after the tragedy, a local official told journalists that around 100 people were still trapped in the factory premises.
Tamil television channels showed intermittent explosions in the area, and a thick smoke rising to the sky.
Villagers were seen carrying away the injured in their arms or in large clothes in the absence of stretchers.
Sivakasi is one of the oldest and biggest firecracker manufacturing hubs in India and has stood witness to such accidents in the past as well.