A joyous temple festival in Kerala's Kasargod district descended into chaos and panic as a massive fireworks explosion ripped through the Anjuambalam Veerarkav Temple premises, leaving a trail of injuries and fear in its wake. The incident, which occurred late Monday night during a Theyyam ritual performance, sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious concerns about safety protocols and the handling of fireworks at public gatherings.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the incident. A large crowd had gathered to witness the Theyyam performance when a deafening explosion erupted from a nearby shed where fireworks were stored. The blast, followed by a massive fireball and plumes of smoke, triggered a stampede as people desperately tried to escape the inferno.
Mobile phone footage captured the chaos and panic that ensued, with women and children screaming and running for safety. Many survivors recounted the harrowing experience, still reeling from the shock and uncertainty of the moment.
"We were engrossed in the Theyyam performance when suddenly, a deafening explosion and a blinding flash of light erupted," recounted one eyewitness. "People were scattering in all directions, desperately trying to escape the chaos."
Aftermath of the tragedy
The aftermath of the explosion was devastating. Over 150 people sustained injuries, with eight in critical condition, suffering burns as severe as 80%. The injured were rushed to various hospitals in Kasargod, Kannur, and even Mangaluru, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
Safety lapses exposed
A preliminary investigation has revealed serious lapses in safety protocols. The fireworks storage facility was located dangerously close to the area where the fireworks display was taking place, violating the mandatory 100-meter safety distance. Furthermore, the temple authorities had reportedly not obtained the necessary permissions for storing fireworks, raising concerns about negligence and a disregard for safety regulations.
The District Collector, in a statement, confirmed that a case has been registered and samples have been collected from the site for further investigation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and implementing stringent measures to prevent such tragedies at public gatherings.
