Saturday, July 2 2005 15:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Madurai: At least 20 persons were killed and 15 injured in a fire accident today (July 2, 2005) in a crackers manufacturing unit at Meenampatti village, near Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, according to local officials and police sources.

The fire, stated to a huge one, took place this afternoon in the 'Vadivel fireworks factory'.

The flame was visible at least five km from the accident spot. The victims were all factory workers.

The injured have been rushed to the Government hospital in Sivakasi.