The toll in a major fire that broke out in a fireworks factory at Meenampatti near Sivakasi rose to 10 with five more persons succumbing to injuries on Sunday.

Those who died in the accident included nine women.

The condition of 18 others, who sustained burns in the accident, continued to be critical, police said.

According to the police the fire broke out when some 'rocket' varieties being tested  for quality ignited other crackers put to dry.