Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday mourned the loss of lives in a cracker factory mishap in Thrissur, Kerala, and announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and those injured.
In a message shared on X, Modi said he was “saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam.” Expressing condolences, he added, “My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.”
An official statement said an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000.
Firecracker manufacturing units, prevalent in several parts of Kerala, have long faced scrutiny over safety standards, with previous incidents pointing to lapses in regulatory compliance. Authorities mandate strict adherence to safety norms, including proper storage and handling of explosive materials, to avert such accidents.
The cause of the Thrissur mishap is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation has been initiated by local authorities. Emergency responders reached the site soon after the incident, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.