Kasaragod, Kerala: In a tragic turn of events during temple festivities in Kerala’s Kasaragod district, a massive firework explosion late last night left over 150 people injured, 10 of whom are reported to be in critical condition. The incident occurred at the Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple, which was hosting a celebration marking the start of the festive season in the north Malabar region. Witnesses reported a horrific scene, with an initial blast followed by a “ball of fire” that engulfed the shed where additional firecrackers were stored.
The accident unfolded around midnight during a fireworks display as a packed crowd looked on from the temple premises. According to local reports, one of the firecrackers from the display allegedly misfired and fell into a nearby temporary storage shed filled with low-intensity firecrackers, igniting the stockpile. The resulting explosion was devastating, spreading flames and thick smoke, and prompting a frantic rush as attendees attempted to flee the premises.
Eyewitness Accounts Detail the Incident’s Immediate Chaos
#BREAKING
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) October 29, 2024
8 people booked for Kerala temple cracker blast!
150 people injured & hospitalised after a firecrackers display at a Kasaragod temple went wrong. Eyewitnesses claim they saw sparks fall near a shed which had stored more firecrackers, resulting in massive fire… pic.twitter.com/WLwtKgLymu
Priyesh, an eyewitness at the temple with his cousins, recounted the horrifying moment: “It started with a loud blast, and then we saw a ball of fire. Panic ensued immediately. The temple grounds were crowded, and people standing near the shed had limited space to move freely.” Priyesh and others quickly organized efforts to transport the injured to nearby hospitals as screams and confusion filled the air.
Another attendee, Sreerag, who had travelled from Bengaluru to participate in the festival, was managing the crowd near the shed when he heard the initial blast. He shared that while they expected a larger crowd on the festival’s second day, Monday’s attendance exceeded expectations, adding to the chaos. “The crowd was huge, and when the explosion happened, the situation escalated rapidly.”
Concerns Over Safety Lapses and Proximity of Firework Storage
Kasaragod District Collector Inbasekar K stated that the accident may have been preventable, as guidelines mandate a minimum of 100 meters between firecracker storage and the bursting site. However, the shed was only a few feet away, significantly increasing the risk of such an incident. “This tragic event underscores the need for strict adherence to safety regulations, especially during large gatherings where fireworks are involved,” he emphasized.
Local ward member E Shajeer added that while fireworks displayed at the temple are usually small-scale, this year’s increased attendance should have prompted additional safety measures. He expressed regret that precautions regarding the shed’s proximity were overlooked. “There was a serious lapse in ensuring adequate safety distance. This isn’t a large fireworks display, but the proximity between the bursting area and storage was dangerous,” he said.
Investigation and Legal Action Underway
The police have taken the temple committee’s president and secretary into custody as they begin an investigation into possible safety violations. According to the temple authorities, approximately ₹28,000 worth of low-intensity firecrackers were stored in the tin-covered shed that ignited. They claimed that precautions were in place; however, initial evidence suggests otherwise.
The explosion and subsequent fire have left the community in shock and mourning, with local leaders and officials vowing to improve safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
