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Kerala orders judicial probe into Thrissur fire tragedy; ₹14 lakh compensation announced for families
The Kerala government ordered a judicial commission inquiry into the Mundathicode fire at a Thrissur firecracker unit, with at least nine deaths reported and casualties feared to rise. It also announced a total compensation of ₹14 lakh per family and stated medical costs for the injured would be borne for six months. The decision followed a cabinet meeting convened by the Chief Minister.
Why It Matters
The move establishes a formal inquiry and financial support framework for victims, indicating accountability and state responsibility in the aftermath of a deadly industrial fire.
Timeline
2 Events
Kerala Cabinet approves judicial probe and compensation package
April 22, 2026
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a special Cabinet meeting. The government ordered a judicial commission to investigate the blast, appointing retired high court judge CN Ramachandran Nair to examine the causes and submit a report. It announced a compensation package of ₹14 lakh per family (₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund and ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund) and ₹2 lakh from CMDRF for injured individuals, with compensation for injuries to follow SDRF norms. The government categorised the explosion as a state-specific disaster and would bear medical treatment costs for the injured for six months.
Fire breaks out at Mundathicode firecracker unit during Thrissur Pooram preparations
April 21, 2026
A fire erupted at a firecracker unit at Mundathicode, Thrissur district, while workers were preparing fireworks for a sample display ahead of the Thrissur Pooram. At least nine people were killed, and several unidentified body parts were found at the blaze site, raising fears that the toll could rise.