CHENNAI: Two workers from Sivakasi, who were engaged in the manufacture of firecrackers, were killed in a blast near Natham in Dindigul district.

As their bodies were blown to bits in the blast, the officials were not able to easily identify the victims.

They were later identified as Kannan and Muneeswaran, both hailing from Sivakasi.

The police are searching for Selvam, the owner of a fireworks factory in Avichipatti, who is absconding.

Meanwhile, condoling the deaths, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced an ex-gratia of Rs three lakh each to their families.

(With PTI inputs)