Over 150 people were injured, with eight critically hurt, in a fireworks accident during a temple festival at the Veerarkavu Temple near Neeleswaram in Kerala's Kasaragod district. The accident occurred around midnight on Monday. The explosion in a fireworks storage shed close to the temple premises.
Temple Festivities Turn Tragic
The incident took place during the Theyyam festival at Moolamkuzhi Chamundi. Eyewitnesses stated that a misfired cracker struck the shed, igniting fireworks stored nearby and causing an intense fire. Amid the packed crowd, people, including women and children, were left scrambling for safety as flames and smoke spread through the area. People standing near the shed struggled to move in the overcrowded space, making evacuation more challenging.
Immediate Response and Medical Aid
Ambulances transported injured to hospitals across Kasaragod, Kannur, and Mangaluru. The most critical ones were taken to f Aster MIMS Hospital in Kannur. Kasaragod Collector Inbasekar K and other district officials reached the site to oversee rescue and relief operations. According to hospital sources, five patients remain in critical condition.
Safety Measures in Question
Several residents and local representatives expressed concerns over safety precautions, pointing out that the storage shed was too close to the display area. Ward member E. Shajeer criticized the lack of vigilance, stating that such a close setup allowed the fireworks to ignite. Collector Inbasekar K emphasized that storage areas should be situated at least 100 meters away from display locations, but this guideline was reportedly not followed.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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