At least 13 people were killed and several were injured after a major explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Kerala’s Thrissur on Tuesday, officials said, adding that the cause of the blast was being probed. Of the injured persons, five people are in critical condition.
The blast occurred at a factory shed where crackers were being prepared as part of the Thrissur Pooram festivities, which began on Monday. According to residents, the explosion occurred at around 3:30 pm, and intermittent blasts continued in the area, hampering rescue efforts.
Around 40 people were believed to be present at the shed at the time of the explosion, and many are reported to be in a critical condition. Visuals from the site showed smoke, and police and rescuers present at the spot.
The deaths were confirmed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and said he was “saddened” to hear about the incident. The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
“Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” a tweet from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) read.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed authorities to provide all kinds of medical assistance to the injured. He also spoke to the Chief Secretary to review the situation.
Vijayan expressed his condolences on the loss of those who died in the explosion. If necessary, the services of expert doctors from hospitals outside Kerala will be utilised to provide expert treatment to those who have suffered burn injuries.
State Health Minister Veena George directed officials to ensure expert treatment for those injured in the explosion. She also directed to make the necessary arrangements for treatment at the Thrissur Medical College.
George also advised authorities to ensure that sufficient 108 ambulances reach the spot and ferry the injured to the hospital.
Police, fire and rescue officials and others were at the spot to investigate the cause of the blast.
The incident occurred as the week-long Thrissur Pooram festivities, Kerala’s grandest annual temple festival, began on Monday. The celebrations will culminate in the main Pooram event on April 26.
Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (which falls during April-May) at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur.
– Ends
(with inputs from PTI)
Published By:
Prateek Chakraborty
Published On:
Apr 21, 2026 18:10 IST
