Thrissur: DNA testing will be conducted to identify those killed in the massive fire that broke out at a fireworks storage facility at Mundathikode on Tuesday.

While 13 body parts have been recovered, only seven deaths have been officially confirmed so far. District Collector Shikha Surendran said the exact number of victims can be determined only after the DNA analysis is completed. Postmortem procedures have begun, and samples for DNA testing are being collected. An expert team from Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology will reach the site on Thursday to assist with the examination.

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Search operations at the site have been temporarily halted and will resume early tomorrow morning. While there is no confirmed figure on the number of people affected, preliminary estimates suggest that between 30 and 40 people may have been present at the time of the incident.

The site reportedly had five sheds, where around 40 people were working. Initial reports indicate that the fireworks unit did not have a fire safety licence. Police have registered a case, and more charges may be added following a detailed probe. The incident will be investigated by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

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The injured are being treated at Thrissur Medical College and nearby private hospitals. Around ten people are in the ICU with more than 50 per cent burn injuries. Three are in critical condition, and two are on ventilator support, hospital sources said.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi visited the medical college to assess the situation. Calling it a deeply tragic incident, he said the matter has been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister and urged people across the country to stand in solidarity with the victims.