Thrissur (Kerala): At least 13 people were killed and more than 40 injured in an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Kerala’s Thrissur district on Tuesday.
Five of those injured are in critical condition and battling for life in hospitals.
Most of the injured persons work in the manufacturing unit, with some more feared trapped inside the facility.
The took place in Mundathikode at around 3.35 pm.
That the tragedy occurred just days ahead of the Pooram Festival – Kerala’s grand annual temple festival – adds to the sadness.
“The firecracker preparation unit was situated in a paddy field that had dried after the harvest, and the intense summer heat may have worsened the incident,” an official from Wadakkanchery Fire Station told Onmanorama.
Police, local administration, fire officials and ambulances rushed to the spot after the explosion. The injured are being treated in several hospitals, including the Thrissur Medical College Hospital.
In a cause for concern, the quantity of materials stored is not clear, and further explosions are possible, said an official from Kunnamkulam Fire Station.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed all government systems to provide every kind of medical assistance.
Vijayan, who held a telephonic conversation with the state’s chief secretary, announced that services of specialist doctors from hospitals outside the state will be used to provide expert treatment to the burn victims, if required.
Thrissur District Collector Shikha Surendran visited the mishap spot and said that additional medical teams will be arriving from Palakkad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolence for the victims’ families. “Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.”
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, shared a post expressing condolence. “Deeply saddened to hear about the explosion at a fireworks facility in Thrissur, Kerala just days before Pooram. The tragic loss of lives and the scale of devastation is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. The government must ensure swift rescue efforts and immediate medical care for all the injured.”
