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Blast Rips Through Kerala Fireworks Unit, 8 Dead
21 Apr
Summary
- Eight people died in a fireworks unit blast in Thrissur.
- The explosion occurred while preparing fireworks for Thrissur Pooram.
- Rescue operations were hampered by intermittent blasts.
A tragic explosion ripped through a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathicode, central Thrissur, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people and injuring numerous others. The blast occurred in a shed where pyrotechnics were being prepared for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival, scheduled for April 26. Initial reports indicate approximately 40 individuals were present at the time of the incident, with many sustaining severe burn injuries.
Rescue operations faced considerable difficulty due to intermittent explosions continuing at the site, located in an isolated area amid paddy fields. Emergency services, including fire and rescue personnel and police, are leading the efforts. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority confirmed eight fatalities, with bodies and body parts recovered from the blast zone.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed that all necessary medical assistance be provided to the injured, exploring options for expert medical intervention from outside the state if required. State Health Minister Veena George has ensured specialized treatment arrangements at local hospitals and placed nearby medical facilities on alert. A magisterial-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause and circumstances of the blast.
