The death toll in the Munthathikkode fireworks accident in Thrissur has reached 13, as confirmed by District Collector Shikha Surendran. Seven victims’ bodies have been found, with three identified so far, and efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining deceased through scientific means.
Among the identified victims are Sudarshanan (54) of Puthiyannur, Vennur, Vasudevan (54) of Kumaranellyoor, Palakkad, and Suvin (39) of Kundannur. Their bodies have been handed over to their families. Several body parts recovered from the scene are yet to be identified and will require forensic examination.
Thirteen injured individuals are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. Satheesh (46) and Praveen (45) are on ventilator support, while others like Babu, Rajesh, Hari, Anitha, Akhil, Udayakumar, Bhavani, and Vishnu are being treated at the Medical College Hospital. Sajan and Wilson are undergoing treatment at Elite Hospital, with two others already discharged.
Medical teams at Thrissur Medical College are on high alert, ensuring all necessary care is provided. Control rooms have been established by the District Collector for information on missing persons or those involved in the fireworks incident, urging relatives and workers to provide details.
Amid the tragedy, a tale of survival emerges as 70-year-old Wilson, a veteran fireworks maker known as “Cracker Wilson,” narrowly escaped the blast. Displaying quick thinking, he helped four women to safety before sustaining minor injuries himself. Wilson, with 45 years in the fireworks industry, has decided to retire due to family pressure, marking an emotional end to his career.
