Congress leaders mourn Thrissur blast, seek urgent relief measures

Senior Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K. C. Venugopal, on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly explosion at a fireworks facility in Thrissur, urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts and ensure immediate medical care for the injured.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident that occurred just days before the iconic Thrissur Pooram. Calling the loss of lives and scale of devastation “heartbreaking,” he extended his condolences to the bereaved families and stressed the need for swift government action. “The government must ensure immediate rescue efforts and proper treatment for the injured,” he said.

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also conveyed her condolences, saying she was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy. She expressed solidarity with the affected families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Describing the incident as shocking, K. C. Venugopal noted that it occurred just days ahead of the Pooram celebrations. He said he was “pained” by the loss of lives and “numb” at the scale of devastation. He urged authorities to deploy all possible resources for rescue operations and ensure that the injured receive timely medical attention.

The explosion has cast a shadow over preparations for Thrissur Pooram, one of Kerala’s most celebrated festivals known for its elaborate fireworks displays. Authorities have launched extensive rescue and relief operations, while an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast.

Fireworks manufacturing and storage units in the state have often come under scrutiny over safety concerns, highlighting the risks associated with handling explosive materials. Emergency teams rushed to the site soon after the incident, and efforts are ongoing to manage the aftermath and assist those affected.