A shocking firecracker accident occurred at a temple in Kasaragod, Kerala, during a traditional Theyyam performance, leaving 154 people injured, including eight who suffered serious burns. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has sparked a major investigation and raised serious concerns about safety protocols and legal permissions for such events.
Following the accident, Kerala police swiftly apprehended three suspects, while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to delve deeper into the cause of the explosion. The incident occurred when firecrackers stored in close proximity to the performance site exploded, sending shrapnel and debris into the crowd.
The gravity of the situation is evident in the number of casualties. As per reports, 21 individuals were admitted to intensive care units, seven required ventilator support, and one person remained in critical condition. The Kerala government has pledged to take stringent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
State Industries Minister P Rajeeve visited the accident site and announced a comprehensive investigation, stating that all aspects of the incident would be scrutinized. The investigation will focus on key questions, including whether legal permission was obtained for the firework display, the location of the firecracker storage area in previous years, and the reasoning behind any changes to the storage area this year.
The district administration has appointed the additional divisional magistrate to conduct an inquiry into the accident and submit a detailed report. Nileswaram police have registered a case under the Explosive Substance Act and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), leading to the detention of eight individuals, four of whom are currently in custody.
The District Collector has confirmed that the victims who sustained serious injuries suffered approximately 80 percent burns. He emphasized that safety precautions were not taken adequately, including the mandatory requirement of maintaining a minimum distance of 100 meters between the performance area and the firecracker storage location. Furthermore, no permission was obtained for storing the fireworks, adding to the severity of the negligence that led to the accident.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and legal guidelines when handling potentially dangerous materials like firecrackers. The authorities are determined to hold those responsible accountable and implement measures to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.
