Panel suggests safer fireworks patterns after Mundathikode blast

Justice CN Ramachandran, heading the judicial commission probing the explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode in Thrissur district, on Sunday said changes in fireworks patterns should be considered to improve safety and reduce the severity of such accidents.

Speaking to reporters at his residence here, the retired Kerala High Court judge said the commission would hold discussions with the Thrissur District Police Chief and the District Collector as part of the inquiry.

“Apart from that, we will visit the injured persons and the place where the explosions took place,” he said.

Ramachandran said the Government was not looking to prohibit fireworks, but to make them safer.

“If the Government wants to prohibit fireworks, it can enact a law for that. Even after fireworks mishaps, they continue to take place.

So, I am not aware of any move on the part of the state Government to prohibit fireworks,” he said. He

said modifications in fireworks displays could help reduce risks.

“The fireworks pattern has to be changed. By making it more of a light show, accidents can be reduced.

At least the gravity of such accidents can be reduced,” he said.

Following the 2016 Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy, in which 110 people were killed, the state Government had constituted a judicial commission led by Justice PS Gopinathan, which later submitted its report.

Opposition parties have criticised the Government for not yet implementing the Justice Gopinathan Commission’s recommendations. Multiple explosions occurred on April 21 at Mundathikode while fireworks for the Thiruvambady Devaswom, as part of the Thrissur Pooram, were being manufactured.

Of the 38 people believed to have been present at the site, 15 have died, while four remain missing.