Magisterial probe ordered into devastating Thrissur explosion; control room opened

THRISSUR: A comprehensive magisterial investigation has been launched into the devastating fireworks accident in Thrissur that has shocked the state. District Collector Sikha Surendran ordered the inquiry, appointing the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Thrissur RDO) to lead the proceedings.

The current casualty count stands at 13 deceased and 23 injured. The medical condition of several survivors remains critical, with five individuals suffering from burns exceeding 70 percent, and one victim sustaining burns over 90 percent of their body. According to the District Collector, approximately 40 people were working at the site at the time of the blast, including elderly men and women. While all the injured have been identified, the process of identifying all the deceased is still ongoing.

The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though preliminary theories suggest that the prevailing extreme heat may have been a contributing factor. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 PM today at a warehouse in Mundathikode, which serves as a storage facility for the Thiruvambady division’s fireworks.

Rescue operations proved exceptionally dangerous and were hampered by secondary explosions that continued until after 6:30 PM. To manage the crisis, a dedicated control room has been established at the Thrissur Medical College Hospital, reachable at 8075011853. Fire Force Chief Nitin Agarwal has confirmed that advanced technology, including surveillance drones and search robots, will be deployed to assist in the recovery and site assessment.