At least five people died, and many others suffered burn injuries following a blast at afireworksmanufacturing unit in the Mundathikkode district in Kerala on Tuesday (April 21), ANI reported, citing officials. At the time of the incident, around 40 people were suspected to have been present under the shed. Several people sustained injuries, with some reported to be in critical condition, the officials said.
The blast occurred in a shed wherecrackerswere being prepared on behalf of a temple devaswom ahead of the upcoming Thrissur Pooram. Those injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Visuals showed residents taking part in rescue operations, shifting the injured and recovering body parts from the site.
State Health Minister Veena George directed officials to ensure specialised treatment for the injured and to make necessary arrangements at Government Medical College, Thrissur, and Thrissur General Hospital. Nearby hospitals have also been placed on alert, according to PTI report.
She also called for the deployment of additional ambulances, including those under the Kaniv 108 service, for emergency response and patient transport.
According to residents, the explosion occurred at around 3.30 pm, and intermittent blasts continued in the area, hampering rescue efforts. Firecrackers were being manufactured in multiple temporary sheds located in an isolated area amid a paddy field.
A government official who reached the spot said food had reportedly been arranged for around 40 workers, indicating that at least that many people may have been present when the accident occurred. Some workers are believed to have escaped with minor injuries.
Fire and rescue personnel, along with police, are leading the operations, though continuing explosions are hampering rescue efforts. Sources said several injured persons have been shifted to hospitals from the site.
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