At least 13 people have been killed in an explosion at a firecracker factory in India's southern state of Kerala, officials say. The incident took place in Thrissur, where around 40 people were believed to be assembling firecrackers in a cluster of sheds for an upcoming festival. Several others were injured, with five reported to be in critical condition. This was the second such incident this week. On Sunday, a blast at a firecracker factory in neighbouring Tamil Nadu state left at least 25 dead. Accidental explosions are a grim routine in India's fireworks industry, recurring with troubling regularity - most visibly around Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, which produces much of the country's supply.
The explosion in Thrissur on Tuesday around 15:30 local time triggered secondary blasts that slowed rescue efforts. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as locals joined rescue efforts, pulling out the injured and dead. Eyewitnesses also said the force of the blast was felt kilometres away; some residents mistook it for an earthquake. Kerala's Revenue Minister K Rajan stated that all fireworks units preparing for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival had permission to manufacture and store fireworks in designated areas.
The workers were preparing fireworks for the Thiruvambady Temple, one of the participants in the climactic displays of the Thrissur Pooram festival, which features a series of grand fireworks displays. Local officials have ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the cause of the blast and to establish accountability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and the injured. The government spokesperson indicated that medical experts from other states would be brought in to treat the burn victims if necessary. This latest tragedy raises significant concerns over the safety protocols in an industry where incidents are frequently reported, with many unregulated setups where high-risk operations are conducted.
The explosion in Thrissur on Tuesday around 15:30 local time triggered secondary blasts that slowed rescue efforts. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as locals joined rescue efforts, pulling out the injured and dead. Eyewitnesses also said the force of the blast was felt kilometres away; some residents mistook it for an earthquake. Kerala's Revenue Minister K Rajan stated that all fireworks units preparing for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival had permission to manufacture and store fireworks in designated areas.
The workers were preparing fireworks for the Thiruvambady Temple, one of the participants in the climactic displays of the Thrissur Pooram festival, which features a series of grand fireworks displays. Local officials have ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the cause of the blast and to establish accountability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and the injured. The government spokesperson indicated that medical experts from other states would be brought in to treat the burn victims if necessary. This latest tragedy raises significant concerns over the safety protocols in an industry where incidents are frequently reported, with many unregulated setups where high-risk operations are conducted.
