Thrissur Incident deeply Tragic, Says Revenue Minister K Rajan; Control Room Set Up

Thrissur: The death toll from the catastrophic explosion at the Mundathikode fireworks unit in Thrissur has risen sharply to 13, Revenue Minister K Rajan confirmed, as firefighting and rescue operations continue on a war footing. The minister, who has personally intervened in coordinating the response, described the incident as deeply tragic and said all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the injured receive immediate and adequate medical care.

Firefighting efforts are continuing at full intensity, but the blaze has not yet been fully extinguished. The minister urged the public not to enter the blast site, cautioning that the danger has not passed. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has intervened directly, spoken with the Chief Secretary, and directed all government departments to remain fully mobilised. He has conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.

Health Minister Veena George has issued strict directives to the Director of Health Services and Thrissur Medical College authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured, with essential medicines and specialist medical teams placed on standby. The district administration is directly coordinating all rescue operations on the ground.

With the death toll having risen from six to thirteen within a short period, and several of the hospitalised persons remaining in critical condition, authorities have not ruled out a further increase in casualties. Rescue teams are racing against time to determine whether anyone remains trapped in the debris of what was, until Tuesday afternoon, the complete fireworks stockpile for one of Asia's most celebrated festivals.