25 Dead in India Firecracker Factory Blast

0:00It's April 20th. This is Global News Today, AI-powered stories from around the world. At least 25 people died in a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in India's southern Tamil Nadu state, with six others seriously hurt. A second blast hit during rescue efforts, injuring 13 more folks lightly as the district collector explained to reporters. Rescue teams wrapped up after firecrackers kept popping inside the wreck building, slowing everything down big time. These victims were women workers, 22 of the 25 dead identified so far, and some bodies were too badly burned to recognize right away. Police filed charges against the factory owner and foreman who bolted and are now being hunted by special teams while officials probe safety. Violations like running on a Sunday, despite a valid license. Leaders from Prime Minister Modi to the state chief minister sent condolences, spotlighting the ongoing risks in India's fireworks trade.