An explosion tore through a fireworks preparation unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur (a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala), killing several workers who were readying pyrotechnics for the Thrissur Pooram, one of India's most celebrated temple festivals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation from the national relief fund, offering ₹2 lakh to families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured. The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over safety standards at informal fireworks units, where workers often operate under pressure to meet festival deadlines.