Thrissur fireworks tragedy: Kerala High Court initiates suo motu case, demands government response

THRISSUR: Taking suo motu cognisance of the devastating fireworks manufacturing shed explosion at Mundathikode that claimed 17 lives, the Kerala High Court has issued notices to the state government, along with the Cochin and Thiruvambady Devaswom Boards.

A division bench led by the Chief Justice has directed all respondents to submit detailed explanations regarding the incident by June 16.

The tragedy occurred on April 21 at a manufacturing facility where pyrotechnic materials were being prepared for the Thiruvambady faction ahead of the iconic Thrissur Pooram festival. The impact of the blast was so severe that the detonation was heard several kilometres away, shattering the facility and scattering human remains across nearby paddy fields within a 500-meter radius.

In response to the incident, the state government had previously ordered a judicial inquiry. Retired High Court Judge, Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair, has been appointed to head the commission and investigate the lapses that led to the disaster.