Fireworks Blast Kills 12 in Kerala Festival Preparations
THRISSUR, India — At least 12 people were killed and several others were injured Monday in a powerful explosion at a fireworks storage and preparation facility in Thrissur, Kerala, as crews prepared for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival.
The blast triggered a large fire that sent thick smoke billowing across the area, sparking panic among workers and nearby residents. The facility was linked to preparations for the festival’s signature fireworks display, a centerpiece of one of India’s most prominent temple celebrations.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered an immediate statewide emergency response, placing all government agencies on high alert to support rescue and medical operations. He directed officials to ensure urgent treatment for the injured and said additional medical specialists could be brought in from outside the state if needed.
Rescue efforts are being coordinated among police, fire and rescue services, health authorities, revenue officials, and disaster management teams, according to the state government. The chief minister also expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
Health Minister Veena George ordered special arrangements at Thrissur General Hospital and Thrissur Medical College, while directing nearby hospitals to remain fully prepared for additional casualties.
An official at Thrissur Medical College said 13 injured people are being treated there, including five in critical condition receiving care in the burns unit.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but initial response efforts were complicated by the intensity of the fire and the presence of stored explosive materials.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion, focusing on potential safety lapses in the handling and storage of fireworks.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Thrissur Pooram festival, a major annual Hindu celebration known for its elaborate rituals, cultural displays, and large-scale fireworks that typically draw more than a million visitors. (Source: IANS)
