New Delhi, April 19 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed her profound grief on Sunday following a fatal accident at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu that claimed 16 lives.

In a formal statement released from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President extended her sympathies to the families affected by the sudden blast.

"The loss of lives in a tragic accident at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, is deeply distressing," President Murmu stated. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery."

Meanwhile, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also extended his condolences and prayed for the recovery of all the injured individu...