BENGALURU, India: A firecracker storage facility in southern India caught fire on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, police said, the second such incident in three days.
Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh, police chief in Kerala state’s Thrissur district, told AFP that rescue operations were “over” after the deadly fire, which also left 15 people injured including two in critical condition.
Just days ahead of the famous #Thrissur Pooram festival a major explosion was reported at a fireworks storage facility. At least 3 people have been reported dead, with fears of more casualties or injuries as rescue operations continue. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/WPCBg2tmlQ
— Ashish (@KP_Aashish) April 21, 2026
The cause of the fire was being ascertained, he added.
Local media said it broke out during preparations for a Hindu festival.
VIDEO | Kerala: Explosion in fireworks shed in Thrissur, workers injured. More details awaited.
(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC)#Kerala pic.twitter.com/vzSXEQ1PBR
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 21, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a social media post that he was “saddened” by the loss of lives and offered his “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims.
On Sunday, 20 people died in a similar blaze at a firecracker factory in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Industrial accidents are common in India, often due to poor adherence to safety regulations and weak enforcement.
Last month, another fire at a fireworks factory in western India killed 17 people.
