Thrissur: Businessman T S Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers, on Thursday announced financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives in the recent explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathicode, Thrissur.

Speaking to reporters, Kalyanaraman said an amount of ₹5 lakh would be provided to the family of each victim.

He noted that the tragedy has deeply affected not only the people of Thrissur but also individuals across the state and the country, who share in the grief of those who lost their loved ones.

“I, my family, Kalyan Jewellers, and all its staff are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to the bereaved families. We are offering ₹5 lakh each to the families of those who died in the incident,” he said.

He added that Gireesh, secretary of Thiruvambady Devaswom, would oversee the distribution of the financial aid. The funds, he said, would be released as soon as possible.

Details of the explosion

The blast took place at around 3.30 pm on Tuesday at a fireworks unit involved in preparing crackers for the Thiruvambady Devaswom in connection with the upcoming Thrissur Pooram scheduled for 26 April.

The fireworks were being produced in several temporary sheds set up in an isolated area surrounded by paddy fields. Reports indicated that nearly 40 people were present at the site at the time of the explosion.

Government declares state-specific disaster

In response to the scale of the incident, the Kerala government on Wednesday classified the explosion as a state-specific disaster. This designation allows authorities to extend immediate relief and assistance to those affected.

The government also announced a compensation of ₹14 lakh for the dependents of those who died in the incident.

Agency inputs