Mundathikode tragedy; judicial probe announced, Rs 14 lakh compensation to kin of dead

THRISSUR: The government has announced a judicial inquiry in the tragedy that happened after a fireworks unit set up for Thrissur Pooram in Mundathikode exploded. The investigation is being conducted by a single-member judicial commission headed by Justice C N Ramachandran Nair. A compensation of Rs 14 lakh will be given to the families of the accident victims. The injured will be provided with free treatment and will be given Rs 2 lakh as assistance. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting convened here today.

Meantime, opposition leader V D Satheesan said the accident that shocked everyone had occurred and demanded that the relevant agencies investigate and find out the cause of the accident. It is being said that it was a safety lapse and temperature was the cause. Safety measures should be taken in advance for such things from now on. It cannot be said that fireworks should be avoided. It is understood that there has been a lapse in recent times. This should be seen seriously. Satheesan also demanded that the shortcomings in the systems be addressed.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that restrictions were imposed after the Puttingal accident and relaxations were made later. He pointed that a warning was given at that time not to set off fireworks without fully complying with safety standards.

Meantime, Thiruvambadi Devaswom Secretary K Girish Kumar said that there was no sabotage in the accident and that no banned materials were used to make the fireworks. He clarified that will follow government's instructions in conducting the Pooram.