Will Thrissur Pooram fireworks be called off in wake of Mundathikode tragedy?

Thrissur (Kerala): Kerala Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan on Wednesday said that a decision on the future of the Thrissur Pooram will be taken after a cabinet meeting and discussions with stakeholders, in the wake of a blast at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode a day earlier that claimed at least 13 lives.

Vasavan said a meeting involving the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms, along with the district administration and officials concerned, will be held at 10.30 am on Thursday at the Thrissur Collectorate, as permitted by the Kerala High Court. Decisions on how to proceed with Pooram-related arrangements will be taken at the meeting, he said, adding that details would be explained after discussions. He was speaking at a press conference in Thrissur.

Paramekkavu Devaswom Secretary G Rajesh said any decision on whether fireworks should be conducted as in the past would be taken after considering the views of the government and the public, while safeguarding rituals and consulting all stakeholders. On the future use of fireworks, he said a detailed probe was needed to determine whether banned chemicals were used. "Such a decision cannot be taken based on mere speculation. There needs to be a forensic examination," he added.

Relief, treatment and casualty update

As part of rescue operations, some walls were demolished and pits were filled, among other measures. The cabinet has decided to provide compensation based on reports covering those who suffered losses during rescue efforts and due to the explosion, Vasavan said.

He said ensuring conditions to support the injured was a key issue before the cabinet. "Expert teams from various medical colleges in Kerala were brought to Thrissur on Wednesday itself to ensure treatment on a war footing. Necessary arrangements have been made under their leadership to provide the best care to those undergoing treatment, as well as those outside hospitals. Further steps to strengthen these arrangements will continue," he said.

"We hope many of those in ICU could be saved. Teams including plastic surgeons, surgeons and other doctors have been deployed accordingly. A total of 14 people were taken to Thrissur Medical College, while one person went to a private hospital on their own. Of the remaining 13, two to three sustained minor injuries. Ten others were admitted to the ICU, with some later shifted to wards," he said.

The minister said it has not been possible to confirm how many people were present at the site as records were destroyed in the fire. "Five postmortems have been completed so far. Three bodies have been handed over, while two are being kept in custody. Further postmortems will be conducted," he said.

Festival schedule amid uncertainty

The famed Thrissur Pooram began on Monday with the customary 'kodiyettam' ritual, with flag hoisting at participating temples marking the start of annual celebrations. The festivities are set to culminate in the main Pooram event on April 26 at Thekkinkad Maidan, in front of the Vadakkunnathan Temple.

The event traditionally features processions from various temples, with Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms leading elaborate elephant displays and fireworks, even as a final decision on this year’s conduct awaits the outcome of Thursday’s meeting.