An explosion followed by fire broke out at a fireworks production factory in Mundathikode near Thrissur, resulting in the death of at least 13 people in the evening hours of Tuesday. The explosion happened when people were trying to manufacture fireworks for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram, the most famous cultural event in Kerala.
The explosion broke out at around 4 p.m. at the factory meant for the Thiruvambady Devaswom, which is one of the two rival camps of the Pooram. The factory was working to manufacture the powerful fireworks for the “sample fireworks show,” which would be held on April 24, only two days before the Pooram proper on April 26.
Devastating Effect: The power of the explosion was so strong that it could be heard from several kilometers away and even created rumors about an earthquake in the area. According to the KSDMA, there were 13 casualties while several people were critically injured due to burns.
Rescue Operations: Fire and rescue teams faced extreme danger as secondary explosions continued for nearly an hour. Rescue efforts were further complicated by thick plumes of toxic smoke and the risk of unexploded materials scattered across the debris.
The Minister for Health in Kerala, Veena George, has put Thrissur Government Medical College and General Hospital on a high state of alert. According to her, “special medical teams and sufficient 108 ambulances have been dispatched to ensure the best care possible for those who survived,” she added.
The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, offered his condolences and instructed a full-scale investigation into the possibility that the safety regulations were violated because of the festival rush. This accident has brought a sense of gloom to the Pooram celebration festivities.
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