Kerala’s Thrissur district was reeling from a catastrophic blast at a fireworks unit on Tuesday, pushing the death toll to 12 and leaving multiple people wounded. The incident, which unfolded amid preparations for the iconic Thrissur Pooram, drew immediate condolences from top national leaders including President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
Thick plumes of smoke and raging flames turned the factory into an inferno, sparking widespread fear in the vicinity. Local reports indicate the explosion happened during the loading of fireworks materials for the festival’s famed aerial displays.
On X, President Murmu shared her heartbreak over the fatalities, offering heartfelt sympathies to grieving families and hoping for the injured’s swift recovery.
Vice President Radhakrishnan voiced deep sorrow, extending support to the affected kin and praying for the health of survivors.
Prime Minister Modi, who had already condoled the loss earlier, approved aid packages: Rs 2 lakh per deceased family member and Rs 50,000 for each injured person via the PMNRF. He instructed Thrissur MP and Union Minister Suresh Gopi to assess the situation firsthand; Gopi flew out from Delhi, set to arrive in Thrissur by late evening.
As emergency teams comb through debris, questions swirl around compliance with safety norms at such facilities. Thrissur Pooram, drawing lakhs of devotees for its parades and pyrotechnics, now faces subdued celebrations. This tragedy amplifies calls for comprehensive audits and modern safety measures in India’s fireworks sector to avert repeats of such heart-wrenching losses.
