A devastating fireworks accident during the Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple festival in Kerala has left 154 people injured, prompting local authorities to hold temple officials accountable for the incident.
Police have taken two officials into custody for questioning as investigations commence.
The accident, which occurred late Monday night, was attributed to a serious failure to adhere to safety protocols regarding the use of firecrackers.
Local authorities indicated that the temple officials neglected essential safety measures, leading to the injuries, which included many spectators of the traditional Theyyam ritual.
Reports indicate that one person is in critical condition, while eight others sustained serious injuries.
A total of 97 victims have been admitted to hospitals across Kasargod, Kozhikode, Kannur, and even Mangalore for treatment.
D Shilpa, the Superintendent of Police in Kasargod stated that the authorities neglected to follow safety protocols and did not obtain permission for the event.
District Collector K Inbasekar mentioned that a thorough investigation is underway, aimed at uncovering any lapses that led to this tragic event.
Forensic teams have already collected samples from the accident site to aid in the investigation.
Sparks From Firecrackers Ignite Stored Fireworks, Eyewitnesses Report
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the accident unfolded when sparks from firecrackers ignited additional fireworks stored in a nearby room.
They however noted that the temple authorities had kept small-intensity fireworks valued at approximately Rs 25,000 for the festival, which concludes on Tuesday night.
A young girl present during the incident recounted her experience. She explained that the accident occurred when sparks from the fireworks fell into a room where more fireworks were stored. As chaos ensued, everyone started running, and she fell along with a few others, sustaining injuries. Fortunately, her sister managed to escape unhurt.
Local CPI(M) MLA M Rajagopal expressed his condolences. He termed the incident very unfortunate and confirmed his discussion with the District Collector regarding the matter. He further asserted that the firecrackers were of low intensity and that the incident happened when sparks from the firecrackers fell into the storage area containing more firecrackers.
Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan condemned the negligence. He stated that the incident occurred after midnight while the community celebrated the festival with firecrackers. Unnithan underscored the serious lapses on the part of temple officials, who failed to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
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