New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed condolences following a mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Kerala, which claimed at least 12 lives.​

“Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said on X.​

The Prime Minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000, said an official statement.​

The explosion at a fireworks unit in Thrissur took place on Monday during preparations for the Thrissur Pooram, one of India’s most celebrated temple festivals.​

The explosion triggered a massive fire, sending thick smoke across the area and causing panic among workers and nearby residents.​

The incident took place amid ongoing preparations for the festival’s grand fireworks display.​

The Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala.​

It takes place every year on the Pooram day, the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam month of Medam.​

Recognised as the largest and most famous of all Poorams in India, it is also one of the biggest festivals in Asia, attracting more than one million visitors.​

The tragedy occurred at a fireworks preparation and storage shed linked to the festival’s celebrations.​

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed that the entire government machinery be placed on high alert to ensure immediate rescue and medical assistance.​

He met with the Chief Secretary and instructed that specialist treatment be provided to the seriously injured.​

–IANS

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