Three killed in cracker unit blast in Pathanapuram

KOLLAM: Three people were killed and four others seriously injured in a blast at a fireworks unit at Maloor in Pathanapuram in Kollam Sunday.

Police said the victims were identified as Adarsh, son of fireworks unit owner Prasanan, Kesavan and Podiyan.

All the injured, belonging to Tamil Nadu, were admitted to the Government Taluk hospital here. However, the condition of two is said to be serious.

The intensity of the blast was so powerful as the bodies of the workers flung several feet away.

Fire service personnel rushed to the spot and doused the flames. The cracker manufacturing unit was supplying crackers to a temple at Pathanapuram.

The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 as immediate relief for the kin of the victims.