Man killed, another injured in firecracker explosion on church premises in Ernakulam

A 70-year-old man was killed and another person severely injured in a firecracker explosion on the premises of a church at Kadathy near Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district of Kerala on Sunday (January 4, 2026).

The deceased has been identified as Ravi of Pandyerpillil, a native of Rakkad near Muvattupuzha. James, 50, of Marakkattil, Rakkad, who was with Mr. Ravi, suffered severe burns in the accident, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said in a statement.

The explosion took place around 8.30 a.m. when Mr. Ravi was allegedly handling explosives to set up firecrackers as part of the festival at St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Jacobite Syrian Church, the DDMA said.

Though both were rushed to a hospital at Kolenchery, Mr. Ravi succumbed to his injuries. Mr. James is undergoing treatment and his condition is reportedly stable.

The Muvattupuzha police have registered a case and collected evidence from the site. Parish priest Fr. Biju Varkey and office-bearers Sabu Paul and Eldho C.M. have been booked by the police.

They have been charged with causing death by a rash or negligent act and unauthorised use of explosives under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Indian Explosives Act.