Thrissur: An explosion occurred at a fireworks manufacturing site in Mundathikode, Thrissur, where firecrackers for the Thrissur Pooram festival were being prepared. According to eyewitness accounts, 14 deaths have been confirmed as of 7 pm, while preliminary reports suggest around 40 people have been injured.

The incident took place at a fireworks shed owned by Mundathikode Satheesh, the licensed manufacturer responsible for supplying fireworks to the Thiruvambadi Devaswom Board. Satheesh, who was also in charge of operations at the site, is among those seriously injured and has been admitted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital, along with four others in critical condition.

Eyewitnesses reported that two large explosions were heard initially, followed by a series of continuing blasts as firecrackers stored at the site kept detonating. Locals said the sound of the explosions could be heard several kilometres away.

Fire and rescue services faced difficulties reaching the site due to the narrow access road. Personnel were eventually able to reach the shed after breaking through a nearby wall.

State Health Minister Veena George directed officials to ensure specialised treatment for the injured and to make necessary arrangements at the Government Medical College, Thrissur.

She also called for the deployment of additional ambulances, including those under the Kaniv 108 service, to the site for emergency response and patient transport.

Fireworks for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram, scheduled for the 24th of this month, were reportedly being prepared at the facility at the time of the accident. The fire was completely extinguished by around 5:45 pm. 

District Collector Shikha Surendran has ordered a magisterial-level inquiry into the accident at the Mundathikkode firecracker manufacturing unit. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the Thrissur RDO, has been assigned to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident and its consequences.