Eight dead in Kerala fireworks storage facility fire incident

At least 13 people have died after a massive fire broke out in a fireworks storage facility in Kerala's Thrissur. PM Modi expressed sorrow, announcing an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF to the next of kin of deceased.

A devastating blaze at a fireworks storage unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur district in Kerala, killed 13 people and injured many others, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) confirmed Tuesday.

The agency detailed that five victims remain in critical condition, two are under ward observation, and 17 suffered minor injuries.

PM Modi expresses grief announces ex gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the tragedy at the facility. He stated that he is saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at the cracker 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.

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.

Congress expresses sorrow over the incident

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, stating he is "pained to hear about the scale of the devastation" and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

"I am shocked to hear of the explosion at the fireworks storage facility in Thrissur, which has taken place only a few days before the Pooram will be held. I am pained to hear about the death of at least six people, and completely numb to hear about the scale of the devastation. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in this time of grief. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved. The government must deploy every possible means for rescue operations, and all injured must be given the necessary medical attention at the earliest," said Venugopal.

Lok Sabha leader of opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief on the incident and demanded immediate care for the injured.

In an X post Rahul Gandhi said, "Deeply saddened to hear about the explosion at a fireworks facility in Thrissur, Kerala just days before Pooram. The tragic loss of lives and the scale of devastation is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. The government must ensure swift rescue efforts and immediate medical care for all the injured."

Health minister ensures medical care

Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has directed that expert medical care be ensured for those injured in the explosion. The Minister instructed the Thrissur Medical College to make all necessary arrangements for their treatment and ordered the deployment of sufficient ambulances, including Kanivu 108 units, to the site.

(with ANI inputs)