Over 150 injured in fireworks explosion during festival at Kerala's Kasaragod Temple

A fireworks explosion occurred late last night at the Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple in Kerala's Kasaragod district, resulting in over 150 injuries, with at least 10 individuals reported to be in serious condition. The incident unfolded during the festive celebrations that mark the beginning of the festive season in the north Malabar region, attracting a large crowd to the temple grounds. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing amidst clouds of smoke and flames as the fire erupted.

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The explosion happened around midnight during a firecracker display that was part of the celebrations. Preliminary investigations suggest that a spark from a firecracker may have fallen into a nearby shed where additional firecrackers were stored. This shed, housing approximately ₹28,000 worth of low-intensity firecrackers, was situated alarmingly close to the fireworks display area—only a few feet away. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the explosion was sudden, starting with a loud blast that sent flames into the air, causing panic among the assembled crowd.

Local residents and officials have expressed concerns over the safety protocols in place during the event. Kasaragod Collector Inbasekar K emphasized the importance of adhering to safety regulations, which require a minimum distance of 100 meters between fireworks storage and display sites. The failure to comply with these regulations has raised significant alarm, especially considering that the shed was located within a dangerous proximity to the display area. Witnesses reported that many people were standing near the shed when the explosion occurred, exacerbating the situation.

In the aftermath of the incident, the president and secretary of the temple committee have been taken into police custody for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are scrutinizing the temple's safety measures, crowd management protocols, and adherence to regulations regarding fireworks displays. Local panchayat representatives have called for immediate action to review and improve safety standards for future events to prevent similar tragedies, highlighting the need for better vigilance and planning during large public gatherings.