Thrissur (Kerala) [India], April 22 (ANI): Congress MP K.C. Venugopal has urged the Central government to increase ex gratia assistance for the families of victims and those injured in the massive fire at a fireworks storage facility in Mundathikode, Thrissur district, which claimed 13 lives and left several others injured.
Venugopal visited the hospital on Tuesday to meet the injured and said five people remain in critical condition. “It is a sad moment for all of us to hear this tragic news. Thirteen lives have already been lost, and five are in critical condition. I discussed the situation with the medical superintendent and senior doctors, who are doing their best to save lives,” he said.
He called on both the Central and state governments to provide maximum support to affected families. “The Central government has announced the routine amount for this incident. I think they should consider increasing that. The state government must also assist the families of the victims without delay,” he added.
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, five people are in critical care, two are admitted to hospital wards, and 17 others sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the loss of lives, stating that he was saddened by the tragedy. “Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Kerala. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “Saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to an explosion at a fireworks unit in Thrissur, Kerala. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” she said.
The Prime Minister has announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
The Kerala government has also sanctioned Rs 50 lakh to the Thrissur District Collector to manage the emergency situation. (ANI)
About The Author
