Thrissur Fireworks Tragedy Claims 13 Lives; Veteran Cracker Maker Retires After Close Escape

Thrissur — The death toll in the Munthathikkode fireworks accident in Thrissur has risen to 13, District Collector Shikha Surendran confirmed on Wednesday.

So far, seven bodies have been recovered, with only three victims identified. Authorities said scientific methods are being used to determine the identities of the remaining victims, as several recovered body parts are severely damaged and unrecognisable.

The deceased who have been identified include Sudarshanan (54) from Puthiyannur, Vennur; Vasudevan (54) from Kumaranellyoor, Palakkad; and Suvin (39) from Kundannur. Their remains have been handed over to their families.

At least 13 injured persons are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals. Two critically injured victims, Satheesh (46) and Praveen (45), are on ventilator support. Others—including Babu, Rajesh, Hari, Anitha, Akhil, Udayakumar, Bhavani, and Vishnu—are being treated at the Government Medical College Hospital. Sajan and Wilson are admitted to Elite Hospital, while two injured persons have already been discharged.

Medical teams at Thrissur Medical College remain on high alert, with authorities assuring that all necessary care is being provided. Control rooms have also been set up to gather information about missing persons and workers present at the site, with officials urging families to come forward.

Amid the devastation, a story of survival has emerged. A 70-year-old veteran fireworks maker, popularly known as “Cracker Wilson,” narrowly escaped the blast. Displaying quick thinking, he helped four women reach safety before sustaining minor injuries himself.

Wilson, who has spent 45 years in the fireworks industry, said he had never feared the risks associated with his work. However, following the incident and at the insistence of his children, he has decided to retire.

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

With inputs from IANS