At least 13 people have been killed in an explosion at a firecracker factory in India's southern state of Kerala, officials say.
The incident took place in Thrissur, where around 40 people were believed to be assembling firecrackers in a cluster of sheds for an upcoming festival. Several others were injured, with five reported to be in critical condition.
This was the second such incident this week. On Sunday, a blast at a firecracker factory in neighbouring Tamil Nadu state left at least 25 dead.
Accidental explosions are a grim routine in India's fireworks industry, recurring with troubling regularity - most visibly around Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, which produces much of the country's supply.
The explosion in Thrissur on Tuesday around 15:30 local time triggered secondary blasts that slowed rescue efforts. Firecrackers were being made in temporary sheds near paddy fields, hampering emergency response due to poor road access.
The force of the blast was felt kilometres away - some residents mistook it for an earthquake - and nearby homes were damaged. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as locals joined rescue efforts, pulling out the injured and dead.
Kerala's Revenue Minister K Rajan stated that all fireworks units preparing for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival had permission to manufacture and store firecrackers in designated areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced financial assistance for the victims' families, raising concerns over safety practices within the fireworks industry in India.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to establish what happened and fix responsibility. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has pledged to ensure expert medical help for the victims if required.
This tragic event highlights persistent safety challenges in the fireworks sector, which has recorded numerous accidents over the years due to inadequate safety standards.
