Lightning strikes cracker factory, no casualties

Virudhunagar: A fireworks factory near Sattur was partially damaged in an explosion triggered by a lightning strike on Sunday afternoon. No casualties were reported. Police said, following a hot and sunny morning, the weather turned cloudy after 3pm, and it rained. During this time, lightning is believed to have struck a fireworks manufacturing unit owned by N Maharajan at Sindapalli village. An explosion was reported in a room where firecrackers were stored, bringing down the structure. A goods vehicle parked inside was also damaged. As Sunday was a holiday, no workers were present at the time of the explosion.