Kerala Govt Forms SIT To Probe Kasaragod Temple Fire Accident

Kasaragod Collector said that preliminary investigations suggest violations in safety protocols with the firework storage area being in close proximity to the place where the crackers were being lit.

The incident took place during the ritualistic Theyyam ceremony, a traditional temple performance prevalent in the Malabar region.

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The Kerala government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a devastating fire accident that occurred late Monday night at the Anjoottanbalam Veererkavu Temple near Neeleswaram, injuring 154 people, with eight in critical condition. The fire was triggered by an explosion of stored firecrackers during a Theyyam performance, according to local police reports on Tuesday.

Kasaragod District Police Chief, D Shilpa, confirmed the formation of the SIT to investigate the incident comprehensively, as per a report on PTI. In addition, the district administration has directed the Additional District Magistrate to conduct a separate inquiry and submit a report on the cause and circumstances of the accident.

Kerala govt announces formation of Special Investigation Team to probe into fire accident at Kasaragod temple

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2024

 

The incident took place during the ritualistic Theyyam ceremony, a traditional temple performance prevalent in the Malabar region. Mobile footage captured the chaos as a massive explosion erupted, sending people running for safety amidst thick clouds of smoke and fire.

Police said the explosion was likely due to firecrackers stored in a shed on the temple premises catching fire. The Nileswaram police have registered a case under the Explosive Substances Act and relevant sections of the BNS.

Out of the 154 injured, 108 individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Mangalore in neighboring Karnataka. District authorities reported that those critically injured have sustained up to 80% burns.

District Collector confirmed that preliminary investigations suggest violations in safety protocols, with the firework storage area being in close proximity to the place where the crackers were being lit. "The safety precautions were not taken. The requirement of maintaining a minimum distance of 100 meters between the two was not followed. No permission was taken either for storage of fireworks," the Collector stated.