Thrissur fire tragedy: Death toll rises to 13; veteran firecracker maker quits trade after narrow escape

In Thrissur, a Munthathikkode fireworks accident claimed 13 lives, with bodies still being identified through forensic analysis. Several injured remain hospitalized. Authorities opened control rooms, while a veteran fireworks maker survived, rescuing others before deciding to retire

Thrissur: The death toll in the Munthathikkode fireworks accident in Thrissur has risen to 13, District Collector Shikha Surendran has confirmed. Seven bodies of victims have been recovered so far, of which three have been identified, while efforts are underway to establish the identity of the remaining deceased through scientific examination.

The identified victims include Sudarshanan (54) of Puthiyannur, Vennur, Vasudevan (54) of Kumaranellyoor, Palakkad and Suvin (39) of Kundannur. Their bodies have been handed over to relatives. Several body parts recovered from the site remain unidentifiable and will require forensic analysis.

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Thirteen injured persons are currently under treatment across hospitals. Satheesh (46) and Praveen (45) are on ventilator support, while others, including Babu, Rajesh, Hari, Anitha, Akhil, Udayakumar, Bhavani and Vishnu are being treated at the Medical College Hospital.

Sajan and Wilson are undergoing treatment at Elite Hospital, while two others have been discharged. Medical teams at Thrissur Medical College remain on high alert, and authorities have assured that all necessary care is being provided.

The District Collector has also set up control rooms for information regarding missing persons or those involved in fireworks work at the site, urging relatives and workers to come forward with details. Amid the tragedy, a remarkable story of survival has emerged. 70-year-old Wilson, a veteran fireworks maker popularly known in the trade as “Cracker Wilson”, narrowly escaped the explosion.

In a moment of presence of mind, he also helped four women reach safety before sustaining minor injuries himself. He is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. Wilson, who has been in the fireworks manufacturing business for 45 years, said he was never afraid of the work he did. However, under strong pressure from his children, he has decided to step away from his lifelong profession.

“Eventually, I have to listen to my children. After such a long innings, I have decided to end my cracker-making career,” he said, marking an emotional end to a decade-long association with the trade.