Nileswaram: Nearly 154 people were injured of which 8 people are critical when firecrackers meant for ‘Theyyam’ festival exploded.
The fireworks tragedy took place at Veerarkavu temple festival at Anjootambalam in Nileswaram
Two organizers of the temple festival is been under custody. Kasaragod district Collector confirmed that no permission has been given for the fireworks.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire detonation area and the storage room were only 3 feet apart. Regulations require a minimum distance of 100 metres between the storage and firecracker ignition points..
The devastating fire broke out during the fireworks display at the Veerarkavu Temple festival in Theru Anjoottambalam, Kasaragod yesterday late night.The incident took place around 11:30 pm leaving nearly hundreds with burn injuries. Most of them sustained injuries are women and children..
Many victims are taken to the Kasaragod district hospital whereas those critical are taken to Kannur and Mangaluru.
Meanwhile, temple officials said that the crackers used for the festival was of low intensity.
The fire accident took place during “Kulichu Thottam”, a preparatory ritual for the Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam, a major annual event marking the start of the Theyyam season in North Malabar.
The ritual extensively uses lit-up torches made from dried coconut leaves. Sparks from the torch must have landed on the carton box where the firecrackers were stored.Temple committee members said the firecrackers were low-intensity explosives. However, the tin sheet roof was blown away in the impact of the blast.
Thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple to watch the Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam, revered as one of the most potent among theyyams..
