From above, the extent of the impact is unmistakable. The cluster of makeshift structures where firecrackers were being prepared has been almost completely wiped out. Surrounding areas show signs of intense heat and shockwaves, with debris thrown far beyond the immediate site.
The explosion occurred around 3:30 pm, abruptly turning a routine workday into a catastrophe. Officials believe around 40 workers were present at the unit when the blast happened.
Rescue teams, including fire and emergency personnel, faced significant challenges in reaching the site. Intermittent explosions continued even after the initial blast.
With official teams temporarily held back, local residents were among the first to respond. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic and distressing scenes, as people navigated difficult terrain to carry the injured to safety.
“Parts of bodies were lying scattered. We helped gather them and send them to hospitals,” said a local resident, describing the aftermath.
The injured were transported primarily to Government Medical College, Thrissur, with ambulances making repeated trips between the site and medical facilities. Several victims sustained severe burn injuries, with many reported to be in critical condition.
The unit had been operating with safety measures in place and suggested that extreme heat or direct sunlight on gunpowder may have triggered the incident.