Fire at Kerala Fireworks Storage Facility Kills 13 in Thrissur District

A fire broke out at a fireworks storage facility in Kerala's Thrissur district on Tuesday, killing 13 people and leaving several others injured, as per official confirmation. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has confirmed the death of 13 people in the fire incident in Mundathicode village under Wadakanchery Municipality in Kerala's Thrissur district, ANI reported, while five others remain in critical condition. Kerala's Health Minister Veena George has directed that expert medical care be ensured for those injured in the explosion at the Mundathikode fireworks storage facility in Thrissur. She also instructed that necessary arrangements be made at Thrissur Medical College for their treatment. Additionally, directions were given to deploy sufficient ambulances, including Kanivu 108 ambulances, to the site. Officials indicated that the figures are preliminary and may change as further information becomes available. The investigation is underway. More details are awaited. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the fireworks storage facility in Mundathikode, Thrissur district and the injured would be given Rs. 50,000. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences for the people who lost their lives in the tragic fire incident in Thrissur and assured proper rescue operations with government authorities ensuring timely medical care for the injured. "The explosion at a fireworks storage facility in Thrissur is deeply distressing. Rescue operations are progressing on a war footing, with the entire government machinery mobilised to ensure timely medical care for the injured. All necessary treatment, including specialised care from outside the state if required, will be made available," Vijayan said in a post on X. He also injored that a dedicated system is in place to closely monitor and coordinate the efforts of Police, Fire & Rescue, Health, Revenue and Disaster Management departments. "Heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Keralam stands in solidarity with them in this hour of grief."