Kasaragod: In a tragic incident at the Anjoothambalam Veererkavu temple in Nileshwar, Kasaragod, over 150 people were injured after a stockpile of firecrackers exploded during the Theyyam festival early Tuesday. The accident took place as the temple was preparing for “Kulichu Thottam,” a ritual marking the revered Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam event that attracts thousands each year. Kasaragod Collector Inbasekar K reported that 154 individuals were injured, with 97 needing hospitalization, including eight people who sustained severe burns covering over 80% of their bodies.
The injured were distributed across multiple hospitals, including AJ Hospital in Mangaluru, MIMS Hospital in Kannur, and various local hospitals in Kanhangad and nearby areas. Preliminary investigations revealed that the storage area for the firecrackers was located only a few feet from the detonation area, far from the 100-meter regulatory distance required. It is suspected that sparks from torches, used during the ritual and made from dried coconut leaves, ignited the firecrackers.
The powerful blast tore off the tin roof of the storage area, sending panic through the crowd of devotees. Many captured the chaos on mobile phones, with videos circulating widely on social media. The incident led to the temporary suspension of festival activities, including a planned meal for over 6,000 attendees. Police are investigating how the firecrackers were stored and why such a large stock, valued at around Rs 30,000, was present on the temple premises without a permit.
The temple committee’s president and secretary have been taken into custody, and authorities are looking into possible lapses in safety and regulation compliance. Both the Kasaragod District Collector and District Police Chief visited the scene to oversee the ongoing investigation.
