Kerala fireworks unit explosion death toll rises to 17 in Thrissur

The death toll in the explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, Kerala, reached 17, with one more person succumbing to injuries at Thrissur Medical College on Monday (April 27).

Worker succumbs to burns

Police further revealed that the deceased, identified as Rakesh (29) of Kundannur, Thrissur, was a worker at the fireworks manufacturing at Mundathikode, where the explosions occurred on April 21.

Also Read: Kerala fireworks factory blast: SIT probe launched, cause to be determined soon, says DGP

Rakesh, who was active in Thrissur Pooram and Pulikali (tiger dance) circles, was among those caught in the explosion at the fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode.

Police said he attempted to escape from the facility after noticing the blast, but sustained severe burn injuries while trying to flee and was admitted to Thrissur Medical College.

Critical injuries and toll

He had suffered over 85 per cent burns and was placed in the intensive care unit, police said.

His condition remained critical for days following the incident. The condition of another injured person also continues to be critical, officials added.

Missing persons and identification efforts

Police said a total of 38 people were present at the unit when the explosion occurred. Of them, 17 have died so far, while four persons remain missing.

Also Read: Thrissur Pooram preparations turn deadly: 14 killed, over 40 injured in blast

Efforts to trace the missing are ongoing. DNA analysis of body parts recovered from the site is being carried out to confirm their identities, and the process is expected to be completed soon, police said.

Festival link and probe

The fireworks were being manufactured for Thiruvambady Devaswom as part of the Thrissur Pooram festival. The licensee of the unit had also sustained burn injuries in the explosion and died earlier.

Following the incident, the Thrissur Pooram celebrations were scaled down. Apart from the police investigation, a judicial commission headed by Justice C.N. Ramachandran has been appointed to examine the circumstances leading to the explosion.

(With agency inputs)