Mundathikode fireworks tragedy: judicial commission finds 7,000 kg of explosives stored against permitted 15 kg
Report identifies banned potassium chlorate as the cause of the explosion that killed 16 people and injured 40
A series of explosions on April 21 at fireworks assembly units at Mundathikode ahead of Thrissur Pooram killed 17, left over 24 injured and damaged around 50 houses.
The judicial commission appointed by the State government to investigate the Mundathikode fireworks tragedy has submitted its report to the government. The commission headed by retired Justice N. Ramachandran Nair handed over the report to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala at his chamber.
A massive explosion occurred at a fireworks unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, on April 21, 2026, while fireworks materials were being prepared for the Thiruvambady faction ahead of Thrissur Pooram. Sixteen people were killed and 40 injured in the tragedy.
The commission found that explosives in quantities far exceeding the permitted limit had been stored at the unit. While permission had been granted to store only 15 kg of explosive materials, those who had undertaken the fireworks contract had stocked around 7,000 kg at the site.
The report also identified the extensive use of potassium chlorate, a banned explosive substance, in the manufacture of fireworks as the cause of the explosion.
According to the commission, friction between chemicals amid high temperatures triggered the fire, which eventually led to the massive explosion.
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