Four people were charred in a massive explosion when crackers stored in a house went up in flames on the eve of Diwali at Thandarai village near suburban Avadi.
While four people died on the spot, the house was reduced to rubble under the impact of the explosion, police said after preliminary investigation. All the deceased were said to be members of the family, engaged in the sale of crackers.
Diwali is being celebrated on Monday across Tamil Nadu and crackers and fireworks were stored in that house for sale. A pall of gloom has descended on the neighborhood following the tragedy.