5 Injured In Fireworks Mishap At Theyyam Festival In Kerala Temple

During Theyyam festival at Neerkadavu Muchiriyan temple in Azhikode, the incident occurred on Friday when a firework malfunctioned and exploded among the crowd gathered to witness traditional ritual.

Five people were injured, including a 12-year-old child, in the firework accident reported during Theyyam festival at Neerkadavu Muchiriyan temple in Azhikode, Kannur district. The incident occurred early Friday morning when a firework malfunctioned and exploded among the crowd gathered to witness the traditional ritual.

According to eyewitnesses, as per a report on The Hindu, the accident took place around 4:30 AM when a firecracker, which was supposed to launch into the sky, misfired and fell into the audience. The explosion caused panic and chaos, with several attendees sustaining injuries. Among the injured, one individual is reported to be in critical condition and has been rushed to a specialised hospital in Mangalore for advanced medical care. The victim suffered severe injuries from the blast and required immediate attention, reported Times of India.

Local authorities confirmed that the injured were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The condition of the other four victims is reported to be stable, though they are under observation for burns and other injuries caused by the explosion.

The Theyyam festival, a vibrant and culturally significant event in Kerala, draws large crowds every year. The use of fireworks is a traditional part of the celebration, but this incident has raised concerns about safety measures during such events.

In October last year, a fireworks accident was reported at Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple in Kerala's Kasaragod district which left more than 150 people injured, with 10 sustaining serious injuries. The visuals from the scene showed fireworks triggering a massive blaze and a thick cloud of smoke, causing panic as devotees ran for safety. The incident occurred during celebrations marking the beginning of the festive season in the north Malabar region.

The authorities launched an investigation into the accident and advised to not store crackers near places where crackers are burst.