A tragic accident took place near Kerala's Veerar Kavu Temple in the early hours of Tuesday. More than 150 people were injured and 8 sustained serious burn injuries, due to a firework-related blaze. According to reports the incident occurred around 12.30 am at Anjootambalam Veerar Kavu Temple, where the celebration was underway to mark the beginning of festivities in north Malabar. Local sources reported that among the injured were women and children.

Aftermath the tragic incident the officials have revealed further details on the cause of the accident.

Seriously injured individuals sustained burns over 80% of their bodies.

A thorough investigation is underway, with samples collected from the site, and a case filed.

How did it break?

Preliminary findings indicate that the proximity between the fireworks storage facility and the place where the crackers were being burst led to the incident. According to the eyewitness, a misfired cracker struck a building where the additional explosives were stored, igniting the devasting blaze during the Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam festival in Nileshwar, Kasaragod district. The explosion triggered a massive fire, injuring many people, including women and children, who had gathered to witness the Theyyam performance.

Safety Precautions Not Taken!

• The officials have revealed critical lapses in safety protocols that contributed to the massive blaze.

• The 100-meter distance between fireworks storage and display areas was disregarded.

• No official permission was obtained for storing fireworks at the site.

The incident has cast a spotlight on the safety protocols surrounding fireworks displays at traditional festivals where large crowds often gather.

• Following the explosion, the injured were immediately taken to various hospitals across Kasaragod, Kannur, and Mangaluru.

• Currently, 23 individuals are being treated at the district hospital, 19 at Aishal Hospital, 12 at Arimala Hospital, and 4o admitted to Sanjeevani Hospital.

• 11 patients were taken to Nileshwar Taluk Hospital and 5 at Aster MIMS Hospital in Kannur.

This incident adds to a troubling list of similar accidents in India. Last year 8 people lost their lives in a firework factory explosion in southern India. In 2018, a major fire claimed 17 workers at a New Delhi firecracker factory, and a year earlier., 23 people died in an explosion at a firecracker-making site in Madhya Pradesh.

These repeated tragedies highlight a pressing need for stricter regulations and enforcement in firecracker manufacturing and handling, particularly during high-risk public gatherings.

(Input From Various Sources)

 (Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)