14 killed, over 40 injured in fireworks unit blast ahead of Thrissur Pooram

The death toll in the powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Mundathikode near Thrissur has risen to 14, with over 40 people injured, several of them critically, on Tuesday. Authorities fear the toll may increase further as rescue operations continue.

The incident occurred during preparations for the fireworks display for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram, scheduled for Sunday. The injured have been shifted to Government Medical College Hospital, Thrissur, and other nearby facilities, with at least six reported to be in critical condition. State Health Minister Veena George has directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for all victims.

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The explosion took place around 3:30 pm at a fireworks shed operated by a licensed contractor, who also sustained burn injuries. The initial blast triggered a series of secondary explosions, sending unexploded fireworks into surrounding fields. The impact was felt several kilometres away, shattering windows at the nearby Kerala Institute for Local Administration and damaging structures in the vicinity.

Eyewitnesses described horrific scenes, with human remains scattered across nearby areas and tremors felt as far as parts of Chavakkad. Identification of the deceased is still underway, complicated by the severity of the explosion, with several bodies reportedly mutilated.

Police, fire, and rescue teams have cordoned off the site and are continuing search operations. Drones are being deployed to assess damage, locate survivors, and identify bodies in areas too dangerous for personnel to access due to ongoing explosions. Officials said sporadic blasts were still occurring hours after the initial incident, hampering rescue efforts.

State Fire Service Chief Nitin Agarwal said robotic equipment would be deployed to help douse the fire, as firefighters are unable to approach the core area safely. The immediate priority, he added, is to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Preliminary inputs suggest that extreme heat or a misfired firecracker falling back into storage could have triggered the explosion, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

The District Collector of Thrissur has ordered a detailed magisterial inquiry into the incident, with the Revenue Divisional Officer tasked to examine the causes and consequences of the blast.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the Chief Secretary to mobilise all necessary government mechanisms to provide medical assistance and support to the injured.

The tragedy has revived memories of past incidents, including the Puttingal Devi Temple fireworks disaster, which claimed over 100 lives, and a similar 2006 explosion linked to Pooram preparations that killed seven people.