As many as 20 persons were injured after a stockpile of firecrackers exploded during a temple festival at Killai near Chidambaram on Monday (June 29, 2026) night. The incident occurred around 9.30 p.m.

Police said people had gathered at Killai Kuchipalayam to witness the rituals of a local Mariamman temple. A group of devotees were lighting lamps near the temple when a spark fell on a stockpile of firecrackers, leading to an explosion. Sparks from the fireworks fell on the devotees and resulted in burns injuring Gomathy, Sumathy, Rajakumari, Chellammal, Uma, Ramya, Jeevitha, Sandhya and 12 others.

The injured were admitted to the Chidambaram General Hospital and Cuddalore Government Medical College and Hospital.

Further investigations are on.