Two Killed in Firecracker Unit Blast Near Kozhikode; Key Suspect Taken into Custody

Kunnamangalam: Police have intensified their investigation into a powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Kurikkathur, near Kunnamangalam in Kozhikode, which claimed two lives. Vishnu, who had rented the house where the unit was operating, has been taken into custody from the Medical College hospital, where he was being treated for injuries sustained in the blast. He is currently under interrogation.

The explosion, which occurred at around 9.50 pm on Saturday, killed Rahul (27), of Mundikkal Thazhom, Puthiyottumethel, and Rahul (26), of Ramanattukara, Parammalmadathipparam. One of the victims was Vishnu's brother. Two others — Vishnu's wife Simi, and Edakandapparamb Shijith (36), a resident near the Medical College — were hospitalised with injuries. Simi sustained injuries to her leg.

The deceased were among a group who had been renting a house at Kurikkathur Padinjarekuzhimayi since last November to manufacture palm-leaf firecrackers. Following the blast, one victim was found with his right hand and chest shattered, while the body of the other was hurled into the courtyard of an adjacent house.

Firefighters recovered and neutralised boxes of finished firecrackers stored inside the premises. A large stockpile of palm leaves used in the manufacturing process was also seized. Several sacks of thread were found hanging above the firewood shed on the property. According to locals, two women used to visit the premises daily to cut palm leaves, typically leaving by evening. They are believed to have been from Mundikkal Thazhom.