On 28 October 2024, a fireworks accident occurred at the Theru Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple in Nileshwaram in Kasaragod district of the Indian state of Kerala. Four people were killed and more than 150 people were injured.
  2024 Nileshwar temple fireworks disaster (India)  2024 Nileshwar temple fireworks disaster (Kerala) | |
| Date | October 28, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Time | 00:30 IST |
| Venue | Nileshwaram, Kasaragod, Kerala, India |
| Location | Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple, Nileshwaram, Kasaragod |
| Type | Fireworks accident |
| Deaths | 4 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 150+ |
| Arrests | 8 |
Accident
editOn 28 October 2024, a Theyyam ritual performance was held during the Kaliyattam festival at the Theru Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple in Nileshwaram in Kasaragod district of the Indian state of Kerala.[1] At about half an hour past midnight IST, a fire ignited in a nearby building where firecrackers were stored. The fire resulted in a blast which collapsed the building and injured people nearby.[2]
Aftermath
editThe Kerala Police were involved in the rescue activities along with the Theyyam performers and general public.[3] More than 150 were injured in the accident and the injured were transferred to hospitals in Kannur and Mangalore for treatment.[4][5] As on 29 October, at least 110 people were undergoing treatment for injuries with few people in critical condition.[6][7] As on 4 November, four people had succumbed to their injuries.[8]
Investigation
editThe Kerala Police opened an investigation into the accident.[9] The District Collector of Kasargode stated that the investigation into the incident was being conducted by the appropriate authorities. The police highlighted a failure to comply with safety norms and guidelines as a possible cause of the accident.[10][11] On 29 October, the police arrested eight temple officials including the president of the temple committee in connection with the incident.[12][13] The Government of Kerala announced the formation of a special investigative team to probe the accident.[14]
Reactions
editThe witnesses described that the sudden explosion triggered chaos and panic amongst the people.[15] Various leaders expressed grief and condolences on the accident.[16] In the aftermath, clashes were reported between the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who were protesting against the accident and the workers of Communist Party of India (Marxist), which heads the Kerala government.[17]
References
edit- ^ "150 injured as firecracker explodes at Anjoothambalam temple during Theyyam festival in Kasaragod". Manorama News. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Fireworks explosion at temple in Kerala's Kasaragod injures over 150". The Hindu. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Kasaragod fire accident: Policeman and Theyyam performer rescues child from flames". Mathrubhumi. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ M, Raghava (28 October 2024). "Kerala fire: 27 injured being treated at private hospital in Mangaluru". The Hindu. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Fireworks explosion at Indian temple injures more than 150 people". The Independent. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Kerala temple fireworks explosion: 101 continue to undergo treatment at various hospitals, one critical". The Hindu. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Over 150 injured, eight critical in fireworks accident at temple festival in Kerala's Kasargod". The Indian Express. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Nileshwar fire accident: Death toll rises to 4 as another victim succumbs". Mathrubhumi. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Fireworks explosion at Kerala's Kasaragod temple leaves over 150 injured". The Indian Express. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Over 150 injured 8 seriously in fireworks accident at Kerala temple festival". The Week. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "What led to Kerala fireworks accident? Here's what happened at Kasaragod Veererkavu temple". The Week. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Kerala: Eight temple officials booked after Kasaragod fireworks mishap injures over 100". News Minute. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Firecracker explosion: Temple committee president, secretary in police custody". Manorama News. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Kerala government announces formation of SIT to probe into fire accident at Kasaragod temple". Deccan Herald. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Explosion at fireworks storage unit in Kasargod's Anjoottambalam Veerarkavu Kaliyattam Festival, 154 injured". The South First. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Disturbed by Kasaragod fireworks accident: Priyanka Gandhi". Deccan Herald. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Kerala fire: Clash erupts between BJP-CPM workers in Kasargod, watch video". The Times of India. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.