Thrissur fireworks accident site contaminated with toxic metals raises health concerns
Mundathikode firework explosion site. (file) | Photo credit: The Hindu
The presence of hazardous heavy metals in topsoil at the site of the Mundathikode fireworks crash in Thrissur, Kerala, has prompted calls for its immediate removal amid concerns that contaminants could leak into nearby water sources and pose health risks.
K. Radhakrishnan, MP, wrote to Chief Minister VD Satheesan and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change seeking urgent action to remove and safely dispose of the contaminated soil.
The fireworks accident on April 21, which claimed 17 lives, happened in an area surrounded by rice fields, bodies of water, houses and wells. Subsequent tests conducted by the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) reportedly revealed chromium, copper, vanadium and cyanide in the soil at the site at levels exceeding permissible limits.
The PCB reportedly submitted its initial findings to the authorities on May 15, before the onset of the monsoon, and recommended that the accident site be treated as a potentially contaminated area. She also recommended the removal of contaminated topsoil from an area of ​​approximately 7,000 m2.
Safe disposal of topsoil
As per the recommendation, nearly 1,470 tonnes of topsoil should be removed and transported to the Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd facility. (KEIL) at Ambalamugal in Kochi for safe processing and disposal.
However, the recommended action allegedly did not take place. Mr. Radhakrishnan says implementation is delayed due to financial implications and inaction by authorities.
With the monsoon season nearly over, concerns are growing that contaminants from the site may have already leached into surrounding soil, wells and other water sources.
The presence of elevated levels of heavy metals and other hazardous substances is of particular concern given the residential and agricultural character of the area, where there are several houses, wells, paddy fields and bodies of water around the accident site.
Mr. Radhakrishnan urged the state and central authorities to act immediately to remove the contaminated topsoil and prevent further spread of pollutants into the surrounding environment.
Published – 30 Sep 2026 19:31 IST