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

The death toll in the explosion at a fireworks manufacturing and storage unit in Thrissur has climbed to 14, turning what began as an afternoon accident into a major tragedy in the district.

Around 40 people have been injured, several of them critically, and are undergoing treatment at the Thrissur Medical College Hospital and nearby facilities. Authorities said the toll could rise further given the severity of burn injuries sustained by some of the victims.

Pooram celebration preparations

The blast occurred at a fireworks unit in Mundathikode, on the outskirts of Thrissur, a district globally known for the annual Thrissur Pooram. Fireworks are a central element of the Pooram celebrations, with elaborate displays staged as part of the competitive pageantry between participating temples.

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In the weeks leading up to the festival, multiple units across the district are engaged in the storage and preparation of explosive materials used for these displays, often under tightly regulated conditions.

Series of explosion

According to initial accounts, the first explosion was heard around 2:40 pm. What followed was a series of blasts in quick succession, suggesting that stored fireworks materials had ignited and triggered a chain reaction. The force of the explosions was so intense that the window panes of nearby houses were shattered, and debris was scattered across the area. Locals were among the first to rush to the site, joining emergency responders in pulling out the injured.

“The impact of the explosion at the fireworks unit in Mundathikode was felt even kilometres away,” said Wadakkanchery municipal chairman VN Surendran, “When people first heard the sound, many thought it was an earthquake. Those injured were mostly residents from the surrounding area, and they were shifted to the Thrissur Medical College Hospital. Intense heat is suspected to be the cause. It is understood that those injured were residents from the nearby area. Only body remains could be retrieved,” Surendran told The Federal.

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He added that continuous explosions made it impossible for rescue teams to enter the site. “Because of the repeated blasts, rescuers have not been able to access the accident spot. Only scattered body remains could be retrieved,” he said.

Rescue operation underway

The explosion took place at the fireworks storage facility of the Thiruvambady temple devaswom, one of the two main organisers of the renowned Thrissur Pooram. Preparations were underway for the sample display scheduled on the 24th and the main fireworks display on the 27th, with explosive materials for both events stored at the site.

Rescue operations were quickly taken over by coordinated teams from the police, Fire and Rescue Services, and health department. The District Disaster Management Authority activated its Emergency Operations Centre, which is currently leading on-ground response efforts. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said the situation is being closely monitored, with the State Emergency Operations Centre providing logistical and technical support.

Storage facility under scrutiny

District Collector Shikha Surendran has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The Thrissur Revenue Divisional Officer, acting as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe into the cause of the explosion, compliance with safety regulations, and the sequence of events that led to the high casualty count. Officials indicated that both the storage conditions and handling of explosive materials will come under scrutiny.

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As the scale of the tragedy became clear, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed that all government systems be fully mobilised to ensure immediate and comprehensive medical care for the injured. He spoke with the Chief Secretary to review the situation and instructed that, if necessary, specialist doctors from outside Kerala be brought in to treat those with severe burns and trauma.

Funds for rescue, treatment

A dedicated monitoring mechanism has been set up at the state level to track rescue and treatment efforts in real time. Multiple departments, including police, fire and rescue, health, revenue, and disaster management, are working in coordination to manage both the immediate crisis and its aftermath. The Chief Minister also expressed condolences over the loss of lives, calling for all possible support to the affected families.

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In a move aimed at strengthening the immediate response, the state government has sanctioned an emergency allocation of Rs 50 lakh from the disaster relief fund to the District Collector. The funds will be used to support rescue operations, medical treatment, and other urgent requirements arising from the incident.

Safety concerns

The explosion has once again brought into focus the risks associated with the handling and storage of fireworks materials in the run-up to major festivals like Thrissur Pooram. While Kerala has regulatory frameworks governing such activities, accidents continue to be reported periodically, often raising questions about enforcement, oversight, and safety practices on the ground.

For Thrissur, a district that takes immense pride in the scale and spectacle of its Pooram celebrations, the tragedy casts a shadow over the festive season. As investigations begin and families mourn their losses, the focus remains on saving lives, stabilising the injured, and understanding how such a devastating incident could occur despite existing safeguards.