Thrissur firecracker factory fire: The Kerala government on Wednesday ordered a judicial probe into the devastating fire that erupted at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the state’s Mundathocide area of Thrissur district. Nine people died in the incident, and the authorities are fearing that the death toll may rise, as several unidentified body parts have been recovered from the spot.

Notably, the blaze broke out on Tuesday noon while workers had been preparing fireworks for a sample display ahead of the Thrissur Pooram, organised on behalf of the Thiruvambady Temple Administration. 

CM constitutes judicial commission to probe cause

Kerala Chief Minister (CM) Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday chaired a special Cabinet Meeting to deliberate on relief measures and the probe. After the meeting, it was announced that a judicial commission, headed by retired High Court (HC) Judge CN Ramachandran Nair, will probe the cause behind the explosion and will submit a detailed report. 

Thrissur firecracker factory fire: Rs 14L compensation announced for those killed

The Kerala government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 14 lakh for the kin for the deceased, which includes Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Rs 10 lakh from the CM’s Disaster Relief Fund. Meanwhile, the injured persons will receive assistance according to the disaster relief norms, along with an additional Rs 2 lakh from the state relief fund. 

Officials also said that the incident has been termed a ‘state-specific disaster’, and the government shall bear the medical expenses for the injured for up to six months. 

Body remains charred beyond recognition: Minister Veena George

Kerala’s Health minister Veena George said on Wednesday that nine intact bodies have been recovered from the disaster site, alongside multiple fragmented body parts. The State Disaster Management Authority informed that at least 26 body fragments have been collected and will be subjected to DNA testing. The Minister added, “Identification is proving difficult as many remains have been charred beyond recognition.” 

10 admitted to ICU

In the aftermath of the incident, at least 13 people are undergoing treatment at the Thrissur Medical College, of which 10 are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Two persons, who sustained grievous injuries, are on ventilator support.

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