Midnight Fireworks Display Sparks Disaster
In a tragic incident during a temple festival in Kasaragod, Kerala, more than 150 people sustained injuries, 10 of them seriously, after a fireworks mishap ignited a devastating blaze late last night. Witnesses reported a “ball of fire” engulfing the area as people ran in panic from the flames and smoke that spread across the temple grounds.
The accident took place at the Anjootambalam Veerekavu temple, a site marking the start of the festive season in Kerala’s northern Malabar region. The fireworks display was underway when, around midnight, a firework reportedly misfired, landing near a storage shed filled with additional fireworks. In seconds, the shed erupted in flames, causing widespread chaos among festivalgoers.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Scene
Priyesh, who had come to celebrate with his cousins, described the horror of the incident. “It started with a loud blast, and then we saw a ball of fire. Soon, panic set in. The crowd was so dense, people couldn’t move freely. We immediately started rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.”
Another attendee, Sreerag, who had traveled from Bengaluru to join the festivities, was helping manage the crowd when he heard the explosion. He noted that the event had an unusually high attendance that night. “The crackers stored in the shed were mostly Chinese-made. It appears a spark from one of the flower crackers fell into the storage area, igniting the rest,” Sreerag explained.
Community Leaders and Authorities Question Safety Measures
Residents and local leaders have expressed concerns over the safety precautions taken during the event. Local ward member E Shajeer emphasized that while fireworks are a small part of the temple’s festivities, safety measures should have been stronger. “There should have been more distance between the storage shed and the area where the crackers were being lit,” Shajeer stated.
Kasaragod District Collector Inbasekar K also confirmed that regulations mandate a minimum distance of 100 meters between fireworks storage areas and active firing zones. A preliminary investigation suggests that this guideline may have been disregarded, leading to the explosion.
Temple Committee Under Investigation
Following the incident, two temple committee members were taken into custody, and a case has been filed against eight officials. According to the FIR, the fireworks display was conducted without proper permissions and in violation of established safety protocols. Local authorities are now focused on accountability and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic accident casts a somber tone over Kerala’s festive season, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and safety measures at public celebrations. As those affected recover, both temple officials and the wider community are reeling from the disaster’s impact.
Moving Forward: A Call for Safety and Accountability
The tragedy at the Anjootambalam Veerekavu temple festival serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need for safety protocols and responsible planning during public celebrations. While Kerala’s festivals are a cherished part of its culture, this incident highlights the potential risks when proper guidelines are overlooked. Authorities, temple committees, and community members are now called upon to ensure stricter vigilance and adherence to safety standards to prevent such mishaps in the future.
As the community mourns and the injured recover, it is hoped that this tragedy will lead to lasting changes, underscoring the importance of prioritizing public safety even in times of celebration.
(With inputs from agencies)
