The explosion killed five women, including the unit owner, instantaneously and also brought down some buildings, while reports said, out of the four injured women who were admitted to hospital, two succumbed bringing the death toll to seven. 

Police and fire tenders rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister inquired about the accident, to the authorities over phone. He later announced a  compensation of Rs. 2 lakh each, to the families of the deceased.

(with inputs from IANS)