Published Apr 21, 2026 | 5:09 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 21, 2026 | 7:01 PM
Eyewitnesses said two powerful blasts were heard in quick succession at around 3.30 pm.
Synopsis: Thirteen people were killed and dozens injured after an explosion at a fireworks unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, on Tuesday as preparations were under way for Thrissur Pooram. Police said the number of workers still trapped inside is unknown, while locals estimated around 40 people were at the site when two blasts were heard in quick succession.
A major explosion ripped through a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, on Tuesday, 21 April, as preparations were under way for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival.
Thirteen people are confirmed dead, officials said. Five bodies have been recovered, along with three mutilated remains.
Twenty-three people are undergoing treatment at Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital, with five in critical care. The licensee in charge of the unit, Satheesh, also suffered burn injuries.
Thrissur City Police Commissioner Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh IPS said the number of workers still trapped inside the facility is unknown.
Locals estimated that around 40 workers were present at the site, based on the lunch packets supplied to the facility at noon. The unit was reportedly producing fireworks for the Thiruvambady section’s sample display scheduled for Friday.
Eyewitnesses said two powerful blasts were heard in quick succession at around 3.30 pm, with the sound carrying for several kilometres.
Officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary findings suggest the latest explosion may have occurred during the mixing of firecracker chemicals – a process made more hazardous by intense summer heat. Police said a comprehensive fire audit of the site will be carried out to assess compliance with safety norms.
The incident has cast a shadow over Pooram preparations and comes in the wake of the 10th anniversary of the Puttingal Fireworks Disaster, in which 110 people were killed and more than 650 were injured in a catastrophic explosion during a temple festival on 10 April 2016.
Also read: 25 killed after powerful blast rips through Virudhunagar fireworks factory
Flames engulfed the facility, and explosions continued intermittently even as rescue efforts were under way, causing panic in the area.
Rescue operations were hampered by narrow access roads leading to the site. Fire and rescue teams broke through a nearby wall to gain entry and control the blaze.
The injured were taken to Thrissur Medical College Hospital, where at least six are in critical condition. Others are being treated at nearby hospitals, including Thrissur General Hospital.
Health Minister Veena George directed authorities to ensure expert medical care for all the injured. She also instructed that sufficient ambulances, including 108 emergency services, be deployed to the site and that nearby hospitals remain on high alert to handle the emergency.
The state government has issued an order allocating ₹50 lakh to the Thrissur District Collector. The funds will be utilised to address the emergency and support relief measures.
Two control rooms have been set up to provide real-time information.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, after urgent discussions with the Chief Secretary, directed all government systems to stay on high alert and be ready to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured.
Authorities have been told to ensure the best possible treatment for burn victims, including bringing in specialist doctors from hospitals outside the state if needed.
The Chief Minister also expressed deep condolences to the families of those who died in the incident. He has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident.
District Collector Shikha Surendran directed a detailed probe to establish both the cause of the incident and its consequences. The investigation has been assigned to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, with the Thrissur RDO tasked with a full examination of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The inquiry will examine safety compliance, operational lapses, and the extent of damage. Officials said the findings will guide further action, including legal or administrative steps.
Investigators will also record statements from eyewitnesses to establish the precise sequence of events and determine the cause of the blast.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
