New Delhi, April 22: In the aftermath of a devastating fireworks accident in Thrissur district, Keralam, that claimed at least 13 lives and left many others injured, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the government to implement stringent regulations on firecrackers, including a phased ban.

The state branch of the IMA, in a statement released on Wednesday, emphasized that recurring incidents of fireworks-related accidents across the country point to serious failures in enforcing safety standards. Describing these accidents as "preventable disasters," the IMA called for immediate action to avert further tragedies.

Drawing attention to past incidents, such as the 2016 Puttingal fireworks disaster, the IMA stressed that robust regulatory measures are crucial to safeguarding lives and preventing similar disasters in the future.