Thrissur Firecracker Blast: 9 Bodies, 26 Body Parts Recovered, Identification Underway

A devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Mundathicode, Thrissur district has left authorities struggling to confirm the full scale of the tragedy, with 9 bodies and 26 body parts recovered from the site so far.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said identification has become extremely difficult as several remains are badly burnt. She confirmed that DNA testing will be required to establish identities, and the final death toll may change after forensic verification.

According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) , earlier estimates suggested at least 13 fatalities , but officials said the figure is still under assessment as recovery operations continue.

Experts from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Biotechnology are expected to assist in collecting samples from both intact bodies and recovered remains for DNA analysis.

The minister also said 13 injured people are undergoing treatment at Thrissur Medical College , with 10 in ICU and two on ventilator support. Survivors are also receiving psychological support due to the traumatic nature of the incident.

One major challenge for investigators is the uncertainty over how many workers were present at the unit when the explosion occurred. While initial estimates suggested around 40 workers , officials said the number is not confirmed as some may have left earlier.

The blast occurred around 3.30 pm on Tuesday at a fireworks unit operating multiple temporary sheds in an isolated area near paddy fields. The crackers were reportedly being prepared for a temple devaswom ahead of the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival .

Residents reported hearing a powerful explosion followed by continuous smaller blasts , which hampered rescue operations for hours.

Authorities have said the cause of the explosion and exact casualty count will be confirmed only after detailed investigation and forensic analysis.