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Congress MP Urges Centre to Boost Aid for Thrissur Fire Victims

Congress MP KC Venugopal has urged the Central Government to increase the ex-gratia payment for the victims of a deadly fire at a fireworks storage facility in Thrissur, Kerala. The tragedy claimed 13 lives and left several injured, with five people reported to be in critical condition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF. The Kerala government has also sanctioned Rs 50 lakh to the district collector for emergency management of the situation.

Key Points: Thrissur Fire: MP Seeks Increased Ex-Gratia for Victims

  • 13 dead in Thrissur fireworks blast
  • 5 victims in critical condition
  • MP urges Centre to increase ex-gratia
  • PM announces Rs 2 lakh for kin of deceased
  • State sanctions Rs 50 lakh for emergency
3 min read

Keralam: Congress MP KC Venugopal urges Centre to increase ex-gratia for Thrissur fire tragedy victims

Congress MP KC Venugopal urges Central and Kerala govts to increase compensation for Thrissur fireworks factory fire that killed 13, injured many.

"I want to request the Government of India and the Government of Kerala to provide maximum help for the bereaved families. - KC Venugopal"

Thrissur, April 22

Congress MP KC Venugopal urged the Central government to increase the ex-gratia for the families of victims and injured individuals after a massive fire broke out at a fireworks storage facility in Mundathikode of Thrissur district in Keralam on Tuesday night, claiming the lives of 13 people while leaving others injured.

Venugopal visited the hospital to meet the injured on Tuesday. During the visit, he informed that five people are in critical condition due to the impact of the fire, while 13 people have lost their lives.

"It is a sad moment for all of us to hear this tragic news. 13 lives have been lost already. Five are in critical condition. I discussed the situation with the medical superintendent and the senior doctors. They are doing their best to save lives. I want to request the Government of India and the Government of Kerala to provide maximum help for the bereaved families. The Central Government has announced the routine amount for this incident. I think they should think about increasing that. State government must also help the families of the victims without delay," he said.

As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), five people are currently in critical care, two are admitted to the ward, and 17 others sustained minor injuries in the incident.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the incident. Expressing his grief, the Prime Minister stated that he is saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at the factory.

"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," said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on X.

President Droupadi Murmu also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

"Saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to an explosion at a fireworks unit in Thrissur, Kerala. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," said President Murmu.

Meanwhile, PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the kin of each deceased, while Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Announcing ex-gratia, the PMO said, "The Prime Minister has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000."

The Keralam Government has also sanctioned Rs 50 lakh to the Thrissur District Collector to manage the emergency.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Venugopal is right to raise this issue. In such tragedies, the immediate focus is on rescue, but the real struggle for families begins later. The compensation should be reviewed and increased to reflect current costs of living. Also, what about the safety regulations? How was a fireworks storage facility operating in a way that led to this? That needs a thorough probe.
D
David E
While increasing ex-gratia is important, let's not make this a political issue. The PM and President have expressed sympathy and announced aid. The state government has also allocated funds. The priority now should be seamless coordination between agencies to ensure the injured get the best care and the aid reaches the families without bureaucratic delays.
A
Ananya R
My heart goes out to Thrissur. Such a terrible accident. Beyond the financial help, I hope the government ensures counseling and long-term support for the children and spouses affected. Money is one thing, but healing from such trauma is another. The community must also come together to support them.
S
Suresh O
It's good that leaders are visiting and making statements. But we hear this after every tragedy - condolences, ex-gratia, then we forget until the next one. The real tribute to those lost would be a nationwide audit of safety in such hazardous units. How many more lives will it take for strict enforcement? Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
The amount for the injured, Rs. 50,000, might not even cover the full medical bills for serious burns or injuries. Treatment in private hospitals can be very expensive. The government should directly settle hospital bills for

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