Thirteen killed in second India fireworks blast in three days

A blast at a firecracker factory in Thrissur, Kerala, India, has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to officials. The explosion occurred while around 40 workers were making firecrackers for a festival. Several individuals sustained injuries, with five in serious condition. This incident marks the second explosion within just three days. Earlier, on Sunday, a similar event in Tamil Nadu state killed at least 25 people. Accidental blasts are common in India’s fireworks industry, particularly in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, which is a major production hub. The Thrissur explosion happened at approximately 3:30 PM local time (10:00 GMT), causing secondary blasts that complicated rescue operations. The firecrackers were being produced in temporary sheds located near rice fields, and poor road access hindered emergency responders. The blast's impact was felt several kilometers away, leading some residents to mistake it for an earthquake, and nearby houses were damaged. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as local people rushed to help, pulling out the injured and deceased. Kerala’s Revenue Minister K Rajan informed the BBC that all firework units preparing for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram, a significant Hindu temple festival, had the necessary permissions to manufacture and store fireworks in designated locations.