CHENNAI: Three workers, two of them women, were killed and two others injured in an explosion at a cracker manufacturing unit at Karisalkulam near Kariapatti in Virudhunagar district on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 9.30 am when the three workers were entering a chemical filling room inside the premises. The deceased have been identified as Karuppaiya (35), Pechiyammal (40), and Soundarammal (53), sources said.

Two others – Murugan (45) and Ganesan (53) – suffered 60% burns and are under treatment at the Sivakasi GH.

The explosion flattened the filling room and scattered debris around the premises. Fire tenders from Kariapatti and Aruppukottai were rushed to the spot. The charred bodies were retrieved after clearing the debris with the aid of an earthmover. The exact cause of the explosion was not known yet.

According to sources, standard safety protocols were not followed in the licenced cracker unit and hence the licence has been temporarily suspended. Officials will submit a report after thoroughly examining the cause of the accident.

Based on a complaint lodged by the revenue inspector, the Kariapatti police have filed a case against three persons – a foreman and two supervisors – sources said.

The chief minister announced Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 to those who sustained minor injuries.