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Kerala Fireworks Blast Kills 12, Top Leaders Express Grief & Announce Aid

A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in Kerala's Thrissur district has killed at least 12 people and injured several others. The incident occurred during preparations for the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to the bereaved families. PM Modi announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, and dispatched Union Minister Suresh Gopi to the site.

Key Points: Kerala Fireworks Factory Blast: 12 Dead, Leaders React

  • 12 killed in Thrissur factory blast
  • President & VP express anguish
  • PM Modi announces ex-gratia relief
  • Incident linked to Pooram festival prep
  • Union Minister Suresh Gopi sent to site
2 min read

President, V-P express anguish over Kerala cracker factory explosion

Explosion at Thrissur fireworks unit kills 12, injures many. President, VP, and PM Modi express condolences and announce financial aid.

"Saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to an explosion at a fireworks unit in Thrissur, Kerala. - President Droupadi Murmu"

Thrissur, April 21

President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a massive explosion at a fireworks unit in Kerala's Thrissur.

At least 12 people were killed and several others sustained injuries in the explosion.

In a post on social media platform X, President Murmu said, "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," she added.

Taking to X, Vice-President Radhakrishnan also expressed sorrow and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured.

"Deeply anguished by the accident at a fireworks factory in Thrissur, Kerala. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said.

Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences following the mishap.

"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," he said on X.​

The Prime Minister has also 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, an official statement said.​

Following the incident, PM Modi had also directed Thrissur MP and Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi to immediately proceed to the city.

Responding to the Prime Minister's direction, Suresh Gopi said he is currently en route to the Delhi airport to take the flight to Kochi. He is expected to reach Kochi by around 11 p.m. before continuing his journey by road to Thrissur.

The explosion at a fireworks unit in Thrissur took place on Tuesday during preparations for the Thrissur Pooram, one of India's most celebrated temple festivals.​

The incident occurred amid ongoing preparations for the festival's grand fireworks display.​

The explosion triggered a massive fire, sending thick smoke across the area and causing panic among workers and nearby residents.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad news. The ex-gratia announced is a necessary support, but no amount of money can bring back a life. We need stricter safety audits for all such factories, especially those supplying for major festivals. Safety cannot be compromised for spectacle.
R
Rahul R
While the condolences are important, we see these factory accidents happen too often. What is the follow-up? Will there be a proper investigation into safety lapses? Sending a minister is good, but ensuring this doesn't repeat is better.
M
Meera T
Om Shanti. May their souls rest in peace. The workers in these units are often from very poor backgrounds, taking huge risks for their livelihood. We must have better protection and insurance for them. My heart goes out to Thrissur.
D
David E
A terrible incident. Good to see a coordinated response from the country's leadership. The focus now should be on supporting the injured and the families, and thoroughly reviewing safety protocols across the fireworks industry.
A
Anjali F
So sad. These are someone's fathers, brothers, sons. The festival will go on, but for these families, life has changed forever. I hope the compensation reaches them quickly and without hassle. Strength to Kerala.

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