8 Dead, Several Injured in Firecracker Unit Blast in Thrissur – Kerala

8 Dead, Several Injured in Firecracker Unit Blast in Thrissur – Kerala

THRISSUR, Apr 20 (VoM News) — A powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Thrissur, Kerala, has killed at least eight people, whereas several others have been reported injured, as per a PTI report.

As the annual Thrissur Pooram is nearby, and ahead of the event, this unfortunate blast took place in a temporary shed in the Mundathicode area, where fireworks were being prepared.

According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, eight deaths have been confirmed. Five bodies were recovered intact, while the remains of three others were found scattered at the site, as per details revealed by the authority.

As per details available with VoM News, nearly 40 workers were reportedly present when the explosion occurred. Many sustained severe burn injuries, with several said to be in critical condition.

Soon after the incident, rescue teams, fire and emergency services, police, and local residents rushed to the spot. However, reports further stated that due to intermittent explosions and intense heat from stored firecrackers, there was a major halt in the rescue operation as well.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, including Government Medical College Thrissur and Thrissur General Hospital, where emergency treatment is ongoing.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a post on social media platform X, stated: “The explosion at a fireworks storage facility in Thrissur is deeply distressing. Rescue operations are progressing on a war footing, with the entire government machinery mobilised to ensure timely medical care for the injured. All necessary treatment, including specialised care from outside the state if required, will be made available. A dedicated system is in place to closely monitor and coordinate the efforts of Police, Fire & Rescue, Health, Revenue and Disaster Management departments. Heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Keralam stands in solidarity with them in this hour of grief.”

Keralam Health Minister Veena George said, “The explosion at the fireworks storage in Thrissur is deeply distressing. Expert medical treatment is being ensured for those who have suffered burns and injuries. Arrangements have been made for treatment at Thrissur Medical College.”

The exact cause of the blast is yet to be confirmed, though initial inputs suggest extreme heat may have played a role.

Further reports say that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the explosion and fix accountability for the unfortunate event.