Firecracker Unit Explosion in Thrissur Catastrophic, Rescue Operations Continue; City Police Commissioner

Thrissur: The death toll from the catastrophic explosion at the Thiruvambadi fireworks unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, has risen to six, with Thrissur City Police Commissioner Nakul Desh Mukh confirming that four of the seven injured persons brought to Thrissur Medical College Hospital have since died, in addition to the two earlier fatalities. The Commissioner described the incident as a massive explosion and warned that the toll could rise further given the critical condition of several others. Women are also reported to be among the victims.

Of the twelve sheds that made up the facility, only one now remains standing. Police said ground mines placed outside the sheds are among the remaining unexploded material, and bomb disposal efforts are currently underway in the area. The number of persons who were inside the facility at the time of the blast remains unclear.

The exploded stockpile contained the complete gunpowder inventory for both the sample fireworks display scheduled for April 24 and the main Thrissur Pooram fireworks set for the early hours of April 27. Residents reported that explosions continued for several hours and that severed body parts were found scattered around the blast site.

Health Minister Veena George has directed Thrissur Medical College to ensure specialist treatment for all the injured, with adequate Kaniv 108 and other ambulances deployed to the site. Nearby hospitals have also been placed on standby.