Protocols not followed; two officials detained after Kerala’s fireworks accident

Kasargod: Two temple officials have been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the devastating fireworks accident at Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple in Kerala's Nileshwaram.

The accident, which occurred late Monday night during the popular Theyyam ritual, left 154 people injured, with one critical and eight serious cases. A total of 97 people are admitted to various hospitals in Kasargod, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Mangalore. The injured included those who had come to watch the ritual.

Two temple officials have already been taken into custody by the police who are questioning them.

Kasargod district Superintendent of Police, D. Shilpa, stated that the authorities failed to comply with safety protocols and also did not have any permission for the event.

The lapse in safety protocols was glaring, and the police have launched a probe into all aspects of the incident.

"The temple authorities had stored small-intensity fireworks worth around Rs 25,000 for the festival," said an eyewitness. They recall that the accident occurred after sparks ignited fireworks stored in a room.

A young girl, who was present inside the temple at the time of the incident and is receiving treatment at a local hospital, described the chaotic scene that, the accident took place after sparks from crackers fell into a room where other fireworks were stored. "Soon we were all running away. I and a few others fell and were injured. My sister escaped unhurt," she said.

Local CPI(M) MLA M. Rajagopal condemned the incident, terming it "very unfortunate" and highlighting the serious lapse on the part of officials.

"The firecrackers were of low intensity, and it (incident) happened when the sparks of the firecrackers fell into the place where more were stored," said Rajagopal.

P Rajmohan Unnithan of INC said that the incident took place after midnight when firecrackers were being burst to celebrate the festival and there was a serious lapse on the part of the officials who failed to ensure the adherence to safety protocols.

The police have collected samples from the accident site for forensic examination and are investigating all aspects of the incident to reveal lapses. The district collector has assured a thorough probe and action against those responsible.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place during temple festivals in Kerala. The state government has faced similar tragedies in the past, including the 2016 Puttingal temple fire that killed 111 people.

IANS with edits