Kochi, India – An illegal firecracker storage in Tripunithura resulted in a deadly explosion, with the death toll reaching two on Monday evening. The victims were identified as Thiruvananthapuram native Vishnu (27) and Divakaran (55).
Vishnu succumbed to burn injuries shortly after the tragedy, while Divakaran was declared dead at a government medical college in the evening. The blast occurred when firecrackers were being brought in for storage at the warehouse, intended for an upcoming festival at a local temple. This tragic event left nearly 23 people, including women and children, injured, according to police reports.
The Hill Palace police filed a case against five individuals, three of whom are officials of the shrine management, in response to this incident. In addition, the State Human Rights Commission initiated its own investigation into the firecracker mishap, directing local authorities to submit a report within 15 days.
The president, secretary, and treasurer of the Puthiyakavu Devi Temple, along with the firecracker contractor, were identified as the accused parties in the case. They are facing charges under multiple sections of the IPC, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
As the investigation continues, police have taken four individuals into custody for questioning, including temple officials and employees of the firecracker contractor. Additionally, multiple houses and shops in the vicinity suffered severe damage, and four injured individuals are in serious condition at a local medical college.
Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the explosion, while forensic experts and revenue officials have been examining the site and surrounding areas for evidence and property damage assessment. This incident has left many residents reeling from the impact, with damaged buildings, vehicles, and even trees bearing witness to the devastation caused by the blast.
The investigation into the illegal storage and explosion of the firecrackers in a densely populated neighborhood is ongoing, as officials seek to comprehend the full scope and repercussions of this tragic event.