Death toll in Mundathikode accident rises to 17

The death toll in the Mundathikode fireworks accident has risen to 17 with the demise of Ragesh, 29, of Kundannur, who had been undergoing treatment in the ICU of the Government Medical College Hospital here. Unnikrishnan, 56, from Edappal, had succumbed to his injuries on the night of April 26.

Meanwhile, authorities have decided to hand over the remains of four victims to their relatives as DNA examination results have confirmed their identity. The District Disaster Management Authority took the decision based on DNA reports, police records, and forensic surgeon’s reports, and with the consent of the relatives.