#BREAKING A devastating fire incident occurred during the fireworks display at the Veerabhadra Temple festival in Neeleswaram, Kasaragod district of Kerala, resulting in injuries to 154 individuals, with 10 people reported in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/dBKtsyygh9
— Mahalingam Ponnusamy (@mahajournalist) October 29, 2024
Kerala police have registered case against eight people after fireworks accident at Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple near Neeleshwaram in Kasaragod district.
At least 154 people were injured in the accident and 10 of them are in critical condition.
ALSO READ: Kerala fireworks accident: No precautions taken, 2 temple committee officials arrested
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
All the accused are temple committee members. The committee president and secretary were already arrested. They are being interrogated.
What led to the fireworks accident?
A preliminary investigation revealed that the fireline was within two metres of the storehouse where the fireworks were kept.
As per law, at least 200 metres is required between the two. People who attended the festival was also close to the fireline and the storhouse though a minimum of 100 metres is required.
Police said one of the chinese firecrackers that was burst fell into the storehouse, causing the massive explosion. The building roof sheet and walls were damaged and partially collapsed.
As per the FIR, the accused carried out the fireworks without following the safety guidelines and precautions. They did not seek permission or license for the magazines or fireworks.
The case was registered under BNS Sections 288, 125(a), 125(b), 3(5) and Explosive Substance Act Sections 3(a) and 6.