Published Apr 05, 2026 | 10:21 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 05, 2026 | 10:21 AM
The house was severely damaged in the blast.
Synopsis: Two people were killed, and several others were injured in an alleged firecracker explosion at a house in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. According to initial reports, the blast happened while firecrackers were being made inside the house. The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed.
Two people were killed, and several others were injured in an explosion at a house in Kurikkathoor near Kunnamangalam in the Kozhikode district of Kerala late on Saturday, 4 April.
The deceased were identified as the house owner and one of his relatives. Three injured people were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to initial reports, the blast happened while firecrackers were being made inside the house. The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed.
Sources say the house had been rented out to make firecrackers ahead of the Vishu celebrations and was allegedly being used as an illegal unit.
A bomb squad has already inspected the site to determine whether any additional explosive materials were present in the area. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, along with police, also carried out a detailed search of the premises following the blast.
Investigators recovered boxes containing firecrackers, sparklers and other items believed to have been prepared for sale. According to residents, those staying in the house were associated with a licensed firecracker manufacturing unit in Kakkoor.
Neighbours alleged that the house had been rented under the pretext of running a snack-making business, while women from nearby areas had reportedly been visiting the premises for work in recent weeks.
The explosion occurred around 9.45 pm, triggering panic among residents. Preliminary findings indicate that firecrackers were being manufactured inside the house in preparation for Easter- Vishu celebrations, and officials suspect the operation was illegal.
The impact of the blast was severe. The bodies of the two deceased were found in a mutilated condition, with witnesses saying body parts were scattered up to 25 metres away.
Authorities believe the explosion originated in the kitchen area of the house, destroying parts of the building, including the tiled roof.
The force of the explosion shattered window panes in nearby houses, and residents reported hearing the blast from nearly half a kilometre away. Firefighters later managed to bring the blaze under control.
The deceased were identified as Rahul (26) of Parammal in Ramanattukara and his brother-in-law Rahul (27) from Mundikkalthazham.
Three others sustained serious burn injuries in the incident. They have been identified as Sini (27), her husband Vishnu (28) and Hijith (36). Sini is a native of Pala in Kottayam, while Hijith is from Kozhikode.
All three are undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, and their condition remains critical.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
