At least eight people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks manufacturing unit at Mundathicode in Thrissur district on Tuesday, officials said.
As many as 40 workers are suspected to have been inside the shed when the blast occurred and many sustained burn injuries. The condition of some among them is reported to be critical. The explosion took place in a unit where crackers were being prepared for a temple ahead of the upcoming Thrissur Pooram, scheduled for April 26.
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, eight deaths have been confirmed so far. Five bodies were recovered, while remains of three others were also found at the site.
Television visuals showed local residents assisting rescue teams, helping shift the injured and recover bodies from the debris. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Pinarayi Vijayan directed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance and coordinated rescue operations. In a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, he also instructed that specialist doctors from outside the state be deployed if required for treating severe burn victims.
All departments, including police, fire and rescue services, health, revenue, and disaster management, have been mobilised, and a special monitoring mechanism has been set up to oversee relief efforts. The Chief Minister also expressed condolences over the loss of lives.
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Health Minister Veena George ordered specialised treatment facilities at Government Medical College, Thrissur, and Thrissur General Hospital, while nearby hospitals have been placed on high alert. Additional ambulances, including those under the Kaniv 108 service, have been deployed.
Residents said the explosion occurred at around 3.30 pm, followed by intermittent blasts that continued in the area, hampering rescue operations. Firecrackers were being manufactured in several temporary sheds located in an isolated paddy field area.
Officials said food arrangements had reportedly been made for about 40 workers, suggesting a large number of people were present at the time of the incident. Some workers are believed to have escaped with minor injuries.
Fire and rescue personnel, along with police, are leading the operations, though continuing explosions are making rescue work difficult. Wadakanchery Municipal Chairman P. N. Surendran said repeated blasts were preventing access to the site and added that nearby houses also suffered damage. The district collector has ordered a magisterial-level inquiry, with the sub-collector assigned to investigate the cause of the explosion and its aftermath.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.
"The Prime Minister has announced that an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the Prime Minister's Office said in a post on X.
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