Mundathikode fireworks accident: Thrissur police chief suggests stricter regulations, safety norms

A view of the Mundathikode fireworks accident site. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB

The Thrissur City Police Commissioner suggested measures to strengthen regulatory safeguards and safety norms to minimize the risk of accidents involving explosive substances like firecrackers.

The official filed the affidavit before a bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice VM Syama Kumar in a suo motu petition following reports of the Mundathikode fireworks tragedy in April.

Appearing for the court, Advocate General Jaju Babu informed the Bench that some manufacturers were supplying substantially larger quantities of fireworks for public displays without permission or adequate storage facilities, leading to violation of statutory requirements.

Mr. Babu further informed the court that a comprehensive investigation is underway by a special investigation team constituted under the supervision of senior police officials.

The proposed safety measures included strict adherence to various provisions of the Explosives Act, 1884 and guidelines issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). Mandatory joint inspections can be carried out by the police department, the district administration, the Fire and Rescue Service, PESO, the Electrical Inspectorate and other competent authorities before granting or renewing licenses to fireworks production units.

Regular security audits

Licensed fireworks manufacturing and storage units may be subject to periodic safety audits that are reviewed by the county administration and licensing authorities. All licensed units may be made available to law enforcement. Copper grounding plates may be required at the entrance to manufacturing facilities to discharge static electricity from persons, with entry restricted to licensed, authorized and trained personnel only.

All units must have open access to facilitate the movement of fire and rescue services and there should be at least two access roads of sufficient width for large emergency vehicles. According to the Advocate General, the licensing authority should ensure that the manufacturing units maintain the prescribed minimum storage capacity and that it is commensurate with the permitted manufacturing capacity while granting or renewing licences.

Mandatory training

There should be mandatory training and certification for those involved in the manufacture, storage, transport and display of fireworks, along with regular technical and safety training programmes. In order to minimize fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents, appropriate restrictions may be placed on the working hours of such personnel.

A comprehensive risk analysis must be carried out with regard to the venue, expected crowd, proximity to residential areas, hospitals, educational institutions, fuel depots and other such vulnerable locations. During major festival seasons, special enforcement drives may be carried out to detect illegal fireworks manufacturing units, unauthorized storage facilities and breaches of license conditions with joint inspections by relevant authorities.

Penalties prescribed in applicable laws may be enhanced to deter violations. Individuals, organizations, festival committees or other entities that request excessive quantities of fireworks from manufacturers in violation of safety standards could be subject to increased penalties for aiding and abetting an offense under the Act. If such violation results in loss of life, the penalty of death due to negligence may also apply as per Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Public information campaigns can also be conducted regarding the safe handling of fireworks, safety requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.

Published – 23 Jul 2026 20:21 IST