Thiruvananthapuram: A catastrophic explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, has claimed at least 14 lives and left several others with serious injuries. The blast, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked a national wave of mourning and prompted an immediate emergency financial response from both state and federal authorities.

President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in offering condolences, taking to social media to express her sympathies. In a post on X, the President stated: "Saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to an explosion at a fireworks unit in Thrissur, Kerala. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also voiced his grief, describing the mishap as deeply saddening. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim, alongside ₹50,000 for those injured, to be drawn from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Following a special online cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Kerala State Government announced a comprehensive relief package. Families of the deceased are set to receive a total of ₹14 lakh in compensation, while the injured will receive ₹2 lakh each. Furthermore, the state has pledged to cover the entirety of medical expenses for survivors. As forensic teams continue to sift through the wreckage in Mundathikode, the focus remains on supporting the victims of one of the region's deadliest fire mishaps in recent years.