A tragic fireworks accident during a temple festival near Neeleswaram in Kerala’s Kasaragod district has left more than 150 people injured, with eight reported in serious condition. The incident occurred late Monday night, reportedly triggered by a fire at a fireworks storage facility near Veerarkavu Temple.
Injured individuals have been transported to various hospitals in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Mangaluru. The district collector and police chief have arrived at the scene, and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Local communities are rallying to support the victims and their families.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the accident happened during a fireworks display at the Moolamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam festival, when a misfired cracker struck a building housing explosives. The explosion caused a significant fire, injuring many bystanders, including women and children who were gathered to watch the performance.
Among the injured, five are in critical condition at Kanhangad district hospital. Additional reports indicate that 33 individuals were admitted to the district hospital, with others taken to various facilities, including Aishal Hospital and Sanjeevani Hospital. More injured individuals have also been reported at hospitals in Mangaluru and the Government Medical College Hospital in Pariyaram.
