Ruptly
"A blast at a fireworks storage unit in India's Kerala on Tuesday afternoon killed at least 13 people and injured more than 40 others. Footage shows the facility reduced to rubble after the explosion, with emergency crews working behind police cordons. "This is terrible. We came here because we are so sad seeing the visuals," a resident said. "The police and fire brigade came, and everyone started the rescue work. I stayed here till 8 pm and searched for any survivors. We found only pieces of his hands and legs," added a second. Residents explained the blast was followed by a series of secondary explosions and a fast-moving fire, which forced workers to flee the area. Officials warn the number could rise as recovery efforts continue and more remains are recovered from the site. The Kerala government has sanctioned ₹14 lakh ($14,927) in relief, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh ($2,130) to the families of the deceased. Fireworks production in Kerala often increases ahead of major temple festivals such as Thrissur Pooram. Many units operate at high pressure during this period, storing and assembling explosive materials in preparation for festival events."
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