As many as 9 people lost their lives after an explosion at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district on Saturday, reports emerged.

As per information received, the incident occurred in a chemical mixing room of the factory located at Ramuthevanpatti in Virudhunagar.

Several persons were also in the incident and were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, sources said.

According to residents, the blast was of such great magnitude that it destroyed four buildings and the cracker factory.

Right after the incident, a police team and a officials from the fire department rushed to the spot. Rescue operations are currently underway at the incident spot.

Further investigation is underway in to the incident.