KOCHI: A major explosion at a firecracker storage unit operating at Chooranad in Tripunithura has claimed the life of one and several injured. The dead has been identified as Vishnu of Ulloor in the capital city. 12 people sustained injuries. Four of the 12 have been admitted at Kalamassery medical college hospital and the others at the taluk hospital in Tripunithura. 25 houses nearby have suffered cracks. It is heard that the crackers were brought for the Puthiya Kavu temple festival. The incident happened around 11 am.

The explosion happened when the crackers brought from Palakkad in a temple traveller were being unloaded to a nearby concrete building. Police along with fire force and loads brought the fire under control. It is being examined whether there are any crackers left under the building. Eye witnesses said that it was a major blast. The explosion was felt up to 300 meters away. Two vehicles burnt. The fire spread to nearby shops also.