New Delhi: At least eight people have lost their lives, five are critical and over 40 others sustained injuries after a major explosion at a fireworks
manufacturing unit at Mundathikode near Thrissur in Kerala, according to Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). The incident took place at a shed where crackers were being prepared for the upcoming festival of Thrissur Pooram.
According to locals, the explosion occurred at 3:30 pm, followed by intermittent blasts which continued in the area, hampering the rescue operation. The exact number of workers present in the facility at the time of the incident is unclear. The police, Fore and Rescue Services and ambulances rushed to the spot and rushed the injured to Government Medical College Hospital, Thrissur and nearby hospitals.
An official from the Wadakkanchery Fire Station told Onmanorama, “The firecracker preparation unit was situated in a paddy field that had dried after the harvest, and the intense summer heat may have worsened the incident.”
#WATCH | Keralam: A fire broke out at a fireworks storage facility in Mundathikode, Thrissur district.
“5 people in critical care, 2 in ward, 17 minor injuries,” says Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) pic.twitter.com/K7L2rgiukI
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2026
The rescue team has not managed to reach the exact location of the firecracker unit. Further explosions are also possible as the quantity of the material stored is unclear, said an official from the Kunnamkulam Fire Station.
The cause of the blast is also unclear and the toll is rising casting shadow over the Thrissur Pooram festivities, which is Kerala’s grandest annual temple festival, starting on Monday.
PM Modi, Kerala Health Minister react to Thrissur tragedy
Following the explosion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives, extending condolences to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed health officials to ensure that all those injured receive the best possible medical care.
PMO tweets, “Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.” https://t.co/aMgdbYmzsF pic.twitter.com/o3Z2JiR0Xe
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2026
George also ordered the immediate deployment of additional ambulances to the site to streamline emergency transport to the Government Medical College and other nearby facilities.
