A devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur district, Kerala, on Tuesday afternoon has left eight people dead and over 40 injured. The blast occurred around 3:35 PM in a facility situated in a paddy field that had dried after the harvest. Officials indicated that the intense summer heat could have exacerbated the situation. Most of the injured are workers from the facility, and they are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals, including the Thrissur Medical College Hospital. Emergency services, including fire units from Wadakkanchery, Kunnamkulam, and Thrissur, responded quickly, but officials noted that they had not yet reached the exact location of the explosion due to ongoing risks of further blasts from stored materials. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.