WATCH: Eyewitnesses Describe 'Deafening Blast' In Fireworks Accident At Temple In Kerala's Kasaragod

During Theyyam festival in Neeleswaram, the accident occurred around midnight when a fire reportedly broke out at a fireworks storage facility near the temple premises leading to a massive explosion.

Kasargod Police confirmed the incident and stated that further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

Source : PTI

As the fire accident during a temple festival in Neeleswaram, Kasargod, has left more than 150 people injured, eyewitnesses described hearing a deafening explosion and witnessing a large ball of fire engulfing the area.

The incident occurred around midnight when a fire reportedly broke out at a fireworks storage facility near the temple premises leading to a massive explosion.

According to Manorama, Priyesh, a local youth attending the festival, narrowly escaped the disaster. He and his cousins had been standing near the storage shed minutes before it exploded. 

Among those present at the scene was Sreerag, a former patron of the temple’s Yuvajana committee, who had traveled from Bengaluru for the festival. He was busy managing the crowd and clearing the path for the Theyyam when the accident took place. 

 

VIDEO | Kerala: Over 150 people were injured, including eight seriously, in a fireworks accident during a temple festival near Neeleswaram, #Kasargod, late on Monday. The injured have been taken to various hospitals in Kasargod, Kannur, and Mangaluru.#KeralaNews #Kerala… pic.twitter.com/jGcrSxi31i

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

 

Around eight of 150 injured are currently in critical condition. 

Local authorities reported that the injured were immediately rushed to hospitals in Kasargod, Kannur, and Mangaluru for urgent medical attention. Kasargod Police confirmed the incident and stated that further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

Expressing shock, Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said, "Shocking news came from Nileshwaram in Kasargod district last night. About 154 people have been injured and admitted to different hospitals. This Theyyam festival is a custom of the people of North Malabar...the police were not vigilant about this festival..."

The Theyyam festival, an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage, draws large crowds annually. However, the incident has raised concerns about the lack of safety measures and the oversight by the authorities.