Thrissur fireworks accident: PM Modi condoles loss of lives, announces ex gratia
A deadly explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Kerala’s Thrissur district on Tuesday has claimed at least 14 lives and left several others critically injured, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce financial assistance for the victims’ families. The blast occurred at Mundathikode, where firecrackers were being prepared ahead of the annual Thrissur Pooram scheduled for April 26.
Authorities said the situation at the site remains volatile, with intermittent explosions continuing hours after the initial incident, severely hampering rescue operations.
PM announces ex-gratia, expresses grief
"The Prime Minister has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the Prime Minister's Office said in a post on X.
"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," Modi said in a post on X earlier.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also reacted to the tragedy, stating, “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.”
Rescue operations hit by continuing blasts
Fire and Rescue Services officials said they have been unable to access the core area due to the high risk of further explosions, as stored firecrackers continue to detonate. Efforts are currently focused on containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.
Police and fire personnel have deployed drones to assess the extent of damage, identify possible survivors, and locate bodies. The explosion took place around 3:30 pm in a shed where fireworks were being assembled, with around 40 workers believed to have been present at the time.
Casualties and injuries
Initial reports indicate that many workers suffered severe burn injuries, with several in critical condition. Victims have been admitted to Government Medical College, Thrissur, and other nearby hospitals.
Officials said at least 14 deaths had been confirmed by the evening, while around 40 people were reported injured. The exact toll is still being verified.
Hospitals on disaster mode
Government Medical College, Thrissur (GMCT), has activated full disaster response protocols. According to Principal Dr Indu P.S, 25 injured persons were brought to the hospital, of whom 13 remain under treatment. Five patients are in critical condition, including one on ventilator support. The hospital has also received 12 bodies so far, with identification and postmortem procedures underway.
A 24x7 control room has been set up at GMCT to assist families and coordinate information.
CONTROL ROOM NUMBER: 8075011853
Authorities have urged the public to use the helpline responsibly for enquiries related to the injured and missing.
State response and investigation
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed all departments to ensure coordinated emergency response, including health, police, fire and rescue, revenue, and disaster management agencies.
State Health Minister Veena George has instructed hospitals to prioritise specialised treatment for burn victims, while additional ambulances under the Kaniv 108 emergency service have been deployed. Nearby medical facilities have also been placed on high alert.
District Collector Shikha Surendran has ordered a detailed magisterial inquiry into the incident, with the Revenue Divisional Officer tasked with examining the cause of the explosion and potential safety violations at the site.
(With PTI inputs)