Thrissur fireworks tragedy: Centre tells Kerala HC that unit deployed more workers than permitted
This was established from the number of people injured and killed in the Mundathikode explosion in April, says Central government and Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives
On April 2026, a fireworks assembly unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, saw a catastrophic explosion that claimed the lives of 17 individuals and left over 24 others injured. The explosion occurred as the display of fireworks was being set up in preparation for the Thrissur Pooram festival. The tragedy was the result of the unit employing a larger workforce than permitted, and the failure to maintain the required safety distances between different manufacturing zones. The fireworks were also being transported in open areas, which further exacerbated the situation.
The Kerala High Court was informed that the Central government and the Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives had expressed concern over these lapses. An inquiry committee set up by the Kerala government will submit its report on the incident soon. An independent probe by the Additional District Magistrate of Thrissur is also underway to understand the events leading up to the explosion and propose preventive measures. The Thrissur district administration has offered its full cooperation to this investigation.
The police have filed charges against the unit for multiple offences, including negligent use of explosives, culpable homicide, grievous hurt, and manufacturing or importing explosives in contravention of Explosives Act, 1884. The explosion also led to the damage of approximately 50 houses. To support the affected families, a special mental health campaign by the District Mental Health Program has been launched to offer psychological counseling and intervention to those traumatized by the accident.
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