Autopsies completed for five victims; search teams continue recovery amid fears of more casualties
Thrissur, Kerala | April 22, 2026:In the aftermath of the devastating explosion at a fireworks storage facility in Mundathikkodu, Health Minister Veena George confirmed that autopsies of five victims have been completed, even as authorities turn to DNA testing to identify severely charred remains. The blast, linked to preparations for the famed Thrissur Pooram, has claimed 14 lives so far, with several others critically injured.
Officials reported that nine intact bodies have been recovered from the site, along with 14 body parts, making identification a complex and emotionally taxing process. “We may not be able to identify all the bodies due to the extent of burns,” the minister said, highlighting the challenges faced by forensic teams.
Search and rescue operations resumed early Wednesday, with police deploying cadaver dogs trained to detect human remains, alongside bomb squad units to locate unexploded fireworks buried in the debris. Authorities have expanded the search to nearby ‘thuruth’—island-like patches amid paddy fields—amid concerns that explosive materials or remains could be scattered beyond the immediate blast zone.
Meanwhile, medical officials confirmed that two individuals with 98% burn injuries remain on ventilator support in critical condition. Ten others are undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit at Thrissur Medical College, with five reported to be in serious condition.
Minister K Rajan stated that the exact number of people present at the site during the explosion remains unclear, with estimates ranging between 30 and 40. “We are still verifying the numbers. A final list will be prepared based on inputs received through control rooms,” he said.
To assist in identification, DNA samples will be collected from relatives of missing persons and matched with the recovered remains. Experts from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology are expected to lead the process.
Three identified victims have already been handed over to their families, while several others continue to search hospitals and morgues for missing relatives. Authorities have also cautioned that post-mortem procedures could further complicate identification, recommending that autopsies be conducted after preliminary identification wherever feasible.
Senior ministers, including MB Rajesh and K Rajan, visited the blast site, while Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan announced a special cabinet meeting to assess the situation and coordinate further action.
