In brief
At least 13 people lost their lives in an explosion at a firecracker factory in Thrissur, Kerala, where around 40 workers were assembling fireworks for an upcoming festival. This incident follows a similar blast in Tamil Nadu that left 25 dead, highlighting the dangerous conditions often present in India's fireworks industry. Officials are investigating the causes and investigating safety protocols.
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.
