A tragic explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Thrissur claimed at least 13 lives on Tuesday, with several others sustaining injuries, some of them critically.
Officials confirmed that the cause of the blast is currently under investigation.
The incident took place in a factory shed where firecrackers were being prepared for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram celebrations. According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred around 3:30 pm, followed by multiple smaller blasts that disrupted rescue operations.
Reports suggest that nearly 40 people were present at the site when the explosion happened, raising concerns that the casualty count could increase. Visuals from the area showed thick smoke and emergency teams rushing to manage the situation.
The fatalities were confirmed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed officials to ensure immediate and comprehensive medical care for the injured, including the possibility of bringing in specialist doctors if required. State Health Minister Veena George also instructed authorities to arrange advanced treatment facilities and ensure adequate ambulance support.
Emergency services, including police and fire departments, are actively investigating the cause of the explosion. The incident has cast a shadow over the week-long Thrissur Pooram, one of Kerala's most prominent cultural events, scheduled to culminate later this week.