Kochi: Specialist forensic teams and dog squads have commenced a meticulous sweep of a fireworks storage facility in Mundathikode, following a catastrophic explosion that has claimed 14 lives.

The blast, which tore through the Thrissur district on Tuesday, 21 April, has left the community in mourning as the scale of the devastation becomes clear.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) confirmed the rising death toll on Wednesday as investigators moved in to secure the site. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, who visited the scene to oversee the operation, stated, "The investigation has just started. The dog squad is in action. The forensic team will collect samples; they will identify any leftover, unburnt objects that are dangerous and secure them."

The investigation is underway to determine what caused the ignition to spiral into a deadly inferno. With forensic samples being collected, the probe is progressing in full swing. (With inputs from Agencies)