A horrific accident took place during Theyyam festival in a temple near Neeleshwaram in Kasargod, Kerala late last night, in which more than 154 people were injured due to fire and stampede during fireworks. The condition of 9 of the injured is critical.
The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Kasargod, Kannur and Mangaluru. According to the media reports, the accident took place after midnight on Monday in which a fire broke out in the stock of firecrackers stored near Anjutambalam Veerarakavu temple.
During the fireworks, the spark fell at the place where the firecrackers were stored after which a massive fire broke out in the area. On receiving the information of the accident, the top officials of the district administration including the collector and the district police chief immediately started rescue and relief operations.
A total of 154 people have been injured in the explosion and the stampede that followed. Out of these, 97 people are admitted in various hospitals. The temple management had stocked light firecrackers worth about Rs 25,000 for the festival, which was to end on Tuesday night.
Two members of the temple committee were detained. The temple management had not taken the mandatory license for fireworks on such a large scale.
Comments