At least 13 people have been killed and five others critically injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Mundathicode, Thrissur district, Kerala, just days before the world‑famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
What Happened
The blast occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a fireworks unit producing crackers for temple festivities ahead of the Pooram, which is scheduled for April 26. Officials estimate that around 40 workers were inside the sheds when the powerful explosion ripped through the facility, leaving the site in ruins and sending thick smoke and flames across the surrounding paddy fields.
Casualties and Medical Response
Government Medical College Hospital, Thrissur, received 13 bodies and several injured, including five in critical condition with burn injuries covering over 70% of their bodies. Rescue teams and local residents pulled the injured and, in some cases, dismembered remains from the debris, as sporadic secondary blasts hindered operations for hours.
Probe and Administrative Measures
The Thrissur district collector has ordered a magisterial inquiry, with the sub‑collector tasked to investigate the cause—initial suspicion points to extreme heat or a storage‑safety lapse—in a unit producing fireworks for the Thiruvambady group linked to the festival. The state government has released ₹50 lakh for rescue and relief, and the Prime Minister’s office has announced a ₹2‑lakh ex‑gratia for the families of each deceased worker.
