Thrissur fireworks explosion: Three victims identified, Prime Minister announces ex gratia of two lakhs

THRISSUR: Three people who died in the explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode have been identified. The deceased are Sudarshan (56) from Parakkund, Pazhayannur, Vasudevan (54) from Kumaranellur, and Suvin (40) from Kundannoor.

Details of the injured include: Babu (57) from Mundathikode, Subhadra (68), Anitha (50), Akhil (30) from Mundathikode, Vidya Kumar (48) from Pazhayannur, Rajeesh (40), Vishnu (30), Praveen (45), Babu (56), Satheesh, Sajan (38) from Velur, Hari (40), Bhavani (65), and Sundaran (46). Five people are in critical condition with more than 70% burn injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences over the incident. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh has been announced for the families of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Inspection at the site of the accident has been completed for today and will resume tomorrow morning. The Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Rahul Gandhi said the tragedy, which occurred just before the Pooram festival, was heartbreaking and urged the government to ensure quick rescue operations and emergency medical care.

Authorities said it will be difficult for the police and doctors to identify some of the victims, as many bodies were severely burnt. Several bodies brought to the Thrissur Medical College mortuary were in a charred and damaged condition, making identification challenging.

Medical college authorities have directed the forensic department to conduct scientific examinations. Post-mortem procedures are expected to be completed today. Those admitted to the burn ICU are in critical condition, and 13 people are currently undergoing treatment. Medical teams from Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Kochi Medical Colleges have reached Thrissur to assist. A control room has been opened at the Medical College as relatives and friends gathered in large numbers seeking information. Public Works Minister P A Mohammed Riyas has reached Thrissur to coordinate operations. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan is also present at the site. Health Minister Veena George is overseeing the coordination of medical teams.