New Delhi, April 21 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed condolences following a mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Kerala, which claimed at least 12 lives.
“Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said on X.
The Prime Minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000, said an official statement.
The explosion at a fireworks unit in Thrissur took place on Monday during preparations for the Thrissur Pooram, one of India’s most celebrated temple festivals.
The explosion triggered a massive fire, sending thick smoke across the area and causing panic among workers and nearby residents.
The incident took place amid ongoing preparations for the festival’s grand fireworks display.
The Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala.
It takes place every year on the Pooram day, the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam month of Medam.
Recognised as the largest and most famous of all Poorams in India, it is also one of the biggest festivals in Asia, attracting more than one million visitors.
The tragedy occurred at a fireworks preparation and storage shed linked to the festival’s celebrations.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed that the entire government machinery be placed on high alert to ensure immediate rescue and medical assistance.
He met with the Chief Secretary and instructed that specialist treatment be provided to the seriously injured.
--IANS
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