At least 154 people were injured in a fireworks accident at Kerala’s Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple in Kasaragod district. Among them, eight sustained serious injuries, and one is in critical condition.
The accident occurred just after midnight on Monday during the Theyyam festival, where over 1,500 people had gathered. Witnesses reported that the accident was triggered when sparks from fireworks ignited other fireworks stored in a nearby room.
Reports said that 97 people are currently hospitalised, with injuries resulting both from the fire and a stampede that ensued. The temple had stored low-intensity fireworks valued at around Rs 25,000 for the festival, which concludes on Tuesday night.
Local MLA M Rajagopal expressed his condolences, calling the incident “very unfortunate.” He spoke with District Collector Nileshwar to assess the situation. Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan noted that the fireworks were of low intensity, and the mishap occurred when sparks reached the storage area.
Two members of the temple committee have been detained, and local authorities are investigating. Reports quoting sources said that the temple lacked the required licence for firework displays.
