Thrissur Firecracker Unit Explosion: 13 Killed, Several Critical; Rescue Operations Continue

Thrissur: At least 13 people have been killed and several others are in critical condition following a devastating explosion at a fireworks storage and preparation facility in Mundathikode, Thrissur, at around 2.30 pm. The blast, which was heard several kilometres away, has been described by locals as one of extraordinary force — rescuers arriving at the scene found severed limbs and body parts strewn across the area.

The state disaster management authority informed that seven dead bodies were recovered, while unidentified parts of five bodies were also found. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has informed that the state machinery has been mobilised in response to the explosion. He also announced the immediate release of ₹50 lakh from the state disaster relief fund to address the emergency situation arising from the Thrissur fireworks explosion in Thrissur.

The facility, belonging to licensee Satheesan of Mundathikode, was storing the complete inventory of fireworks materials for both the sample display and the main Thrissur Pooram fireworks show of the Thiruvambadi Devaswom — spread across five storage tents. Over 40 workers are believed to have been present at the time of the blast, which occurred while preparations were underway for the Pooram.

Rescue operations have been severely hampered by continuing secondary explosions and thick smoke, preventing emergency personnel from accessing the site. There are also fears that gunpowder has been scattered across the surrounding area. Tremors from the blast were felt in adjoining localities.

The seriously injured, including Satheesan himself, have been admitted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital. Health Minister Veena George has directed all nearby hospitals to remain on full alert.

The tragedy has thrown the future of this year's Thrissur Pooram fireworks — one of the most celebrated pyrotechnic spectacles in Asia — into serious uncertainty, with the sample display having been scheduled for April 24.