Massive blast at Tripunithura firecracker storage unit leaves 1 dead, 2 critically injured

Kochi: A massive blast happened at a firecracker storage unit in Tripunithura here on Monday. The incident happened around 11:00 am beside Puthiyakavu temple in the Churakkad region. Three individuals were reportedly critically injured in the incident, and one among them succumbed. More casualties are feared. At least 10, including children, have been injured. 

The unit was readied for storing crackers for the temple festival. The explosion happened when crackers were being transferred from a tempo traveller to a nearby concrete building. 

The tempo traveller and the firecracker storage unit were completely wrecked in the blast. The critically injured are tempo traveller staffers. The person who died has been identified as Thiruvananthapuram native Vishnu. 

According to reports, the sound of the explosion was heard kilometres away. The debris was seen 400 metres away from the fire blast spot. Two other vehicles were reportedly damaged. Around 20 houses in the proximity suffered damages. The fire spread across nearby shops. The fire was brought under control by rescue personnel and locals.

Further details awaited.