The Kerala government has initiated a judicial inquiry into the tragic fireworks mishap at Mundathikkode in Thrissur. This decision came following a Cabinet meeting where Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced a compensation plan for the affected families. Justice (retired) C.N. Ramachandran Nair will lead the investigative team.
As part of the relief efforts, the government will offer Rs 14 lakh to the families of the deceased, with Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund and Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additionally, each injured individual will receive Rs 2 lakh in support.
The explosion at the fireworks storage site resulted in 13 fatalities, causing shockwaves throughout Kerala. Nine bodies have been brought to the mortuary, with seven already identified. Among the recognized victims are individuals like Sudarshan, Vasudevan, Suvin, Manikandan, Subramanian, Bijish, and a local resident named Manikandan.
Authorities have recovered 26 human body parts besides the bodies, complicating the identification process. Forensic examinations are ongoing to ascertain the identities of the remaining victims. The tragic incident has underscored concerns regarding safety measures in fireworks handling and storage.
The judicial inquiry aims to investigate the blast’s circumstances, accountability issues, and compliance with safety protocols. Meanwhile, rescue, identification, and relief operations persist as Kerala copes with one of its most severe fireworks-related disasters in recent memory.
