Massive Fireworks Accident Injures Over 150 at Kerala Temple Festival

A tragic fireworks accident injured over 150 people, including eight critically, at the Anjootambalam Veerekavu temple in Kerala’s Kasaragod district. The incident, occurring amid the vibrant Theyyam festival, has shocked locals and festival attendees alike, raising concerns about event safety and crowd control during temple celebrations.

The Incident

The accident took place late at night during a fireworks display that marked the start of the traditional Theyyam festival. According to eyewitnesses, a malfunctioning cracker fell into a nearby storage shed filled with additional firecrackers, causing a massive explosion and widespread panic among the attendees. Priyesh, an attendee, reported the explosion as a "ball of fire" that ignited a frantic rush to nearby hospitals. Sreerag, a festival volunteer, described the unprecedented crowd size and the challenge of managing safety amidst the chaos.

Safety Concerns and Community Response

Following the accident, residents and Panchayat representatives voiced concerns over inadequate safety measures. E. Shajeer, a ward member, highlighted that while large-scale fireworks are uncommon at the festival, the proximity of the storage shed to the bursting area likely exacerbated the incident. Many locals pointed to a lack of vigilant oversight as a contributing factor, suggesting that better safety precautions could have prevented the accident.

Moving Forward

This unfortunate event has underscored the need for stronger safety protocols, particularly around fireworks displays at religious events in Kerala. By enhancing community awareness, maintaining secure distances, and implementing fire safety measures, similar incidents can be prevented, ensuring safer celebrations in the future.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com