KOCHI, INDIA – A tragic explosion at a cracker unit in Thrippunithura, Ernakulam district on Monday resulted in the loss of one life and left 12 others injured. The victim, identified as Vishnu, was an employee at the unit, and three critically injured individuals were taken to Kalamassery Medical College for treatment. Several others were also transported to Thrippunithura Taluk Hospital for medical care.
Reports from Malayala Manorama indicated that the explosion caused damage to at least 25 houses in the Puthiyakaavu Vadakkupuram area, with the impact felt at a two-kilometer radius. Additionally, a vehicle was destroyed as a result of the blast.
The cause of the fire in the cracker unit in Oorakkad remains unknown, but it is believed that the explosion occurred during the unloading of fireworks from a vehicle that were intended for the Puthiyakavu temple festival. The proximity of a dozen houses to the blast site added to the urgency of the situation, with locals initially assuming that a gas cylinder had exploded before realizing the severity of the incident.
The community quickly rallied together to assist the authorities in the rescue efforts, as more details about the tragic event are awaited. This devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with the storage and handling of fireworks, and the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in such environments.