Agencies | Thiruvananthapuram:
At least eight people were killed and over 40 others injured in a powerful explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Thrissur on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred at a facility in Mundathikode around 3:35 pm, triggering panic in the area. Most of the injured are reported to be workers at the unit.
Officials from the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services said the unit was located in a dried paddy field, and extreme summer heat may have contributed to the severity of the blast.
Emergency teams, including fire units from Wadakkanchery, Kunnamkulam and Thrissur, along with local police, rushed to the site immediately after receiving the alert. The injured have been shifted to multiple healthcare facilities, including Thrissur Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Rescue operations, however, have been hampered due to safety concerns. Officials said they have not yet been able to access the exact location of the unit, as the quantity of explosive material stored remains unknown and there is a risk of further explosions.
Authorities are continuing efforts to secure the area and assess the situation, while an investigation into the cause of the blast is expected to follow.
