Survivors of Mundathikode fireworks accident in Keralam grapple with PTSD-like symptoms
Authorities yet to address psychological issues such as insomnia, anxiety, and flashbacks that the survivors continue to face six months after the fireworks blast incident in Thrissur
Almost five months after a fireworks accident in Mundathikode, Kerala, some survivors continue to suffer from psychological issues resembling PTSD. On April 21, 2026, explosions at fireworks assembly units, part of preparations for Thrissur Pooram, claimed 17 lives, injured 24, and damaged 50 houses. Survivors from Palakkad, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts told The Hindu they have not received help for their mental afflictions.
Unnikrishnan, a pyrotechnician from Pathiripala, Palakkad, still suffers from haunting memories and lacks support from authorities. Rajan, from Kundannur, Wadakkanchery, struggles with sleep and flashbacks, still grieving the loss of loved ones. The Thrissur District Collector recently filed a report to the Kerala High Court about a special campaign aiming to provide psychosocial counselling to trauma-stricken residents.
A month after the explosion, the District Mental Health Programme, in partnership with Thrissur Medical College's Psychiatry department, identified six survivors with PTSD symptoms, offering help through counseling and intervention. Peter Joseph, nodal officer for DMHP Thrissur, explained that these six survivors experienced flashbacks, insomnia, heightened anxiety, and even turned to alcohol for coping.
Most lost their livelihoods due to the explosion's mental impact. However, only these six survivors sought help; the rest have not come forward.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
