Choorakad explosion: residents still in shock; concerns about delay in compensation; Karayogam officials still absconding

THRIPPUNITHURA: Residents of the area are still in shock from the explosion that took place at the firecracker storage unit in Choorakad while unloading the collection of firecrackers brought by Vadakkumpuram Karayogam for fireworks in connection with the festival at Puthiyakavu Devi Temple.

Two people died and 322 houses were damaged in the blast on February 12. Three houses were completely destroyed and six were partially destroyed. It was found in the preliminary survey conducted by Thrippunithura Municipal Corporation that four government offices and three private buildings were damaged.

Most damage was to the windows, roofs and doors of the buildings. Minister P Rajeev visited the accident site on Monday and asked the collector to conduct a detailed inspection and submit a report. Damages are being assessed under the leadership of the Revenue Department. The minister said that as soon as the report is available, necessary steps will be taken for compensation based on the precedent of previous incidents. As it is certain that the compensation from the government will be delayed, the victims are worried. Many people who have lost windows and doors are repairing their homes themselves.

Five houses near the blast site are currently uninhabited. 3 families whose houses were completely destroyed have temporarily shifted to rented houses. Reggie's house was completely destroyed. The roof including the wall has a large slant. Reggie has moved with his family to a relative's house. Only the structure of MJ Antony's two-storied house remains. On the day of the explosion, he was on a pilgrimage to Velankanni with his family and escaped the disaster.

Seva Bharati and Lions Club giving a helping hand

Seva Bharati is taking care of the reconstruction of 33 houses damaged in the blast. Sevabharati Thrippunithura unit office-bearers said that the houses of those who applied are being rebuilt. The construction work is progressing rapidly. It has been announced that MJ Antony's house will be taken over by the Lions Club and rebuilt.

The fireworks display of Thekkumpuram Karayogam was held in the temple on the eve of the disaster. In connection with this, six Thekkumpuram Karayogam office bearers have been arrested and are in remand. Vadakkumpuram Karayogam officials are still absconding.