A devastating fireworks explosion occurred during the annual Kaliyattam festival at the Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple in Kasaragod, Kerala, leaving over 150 injured and eight critically hurt. The festival’s traditional firework display reportedly set off a significant blaze early on October 29, when a misfire ignited a nearby storage area loaded with additional firecrackers. The incident, which unfolded shortly after midnight, shocked attendees as flames and explosions erupted amid the gathering.

Authorities and Emergency Response

Police and emergency personnel responded promptly, setting up temporary medical units near the site to manage injuries. Those critically injured were rushed to major hospitals, while others with minor injuries received on-site treatment. The Kerala government, alongside local authorities, has launched an investigation into safety protocols at the festival, noting that the temple management lacked a proper license for the firework display.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Reaction

Witnesses describe chaotic scenes as people rushed to escape the flames. The Kasaragod community and neighbouring areas are reeling from the tragedy, with local leaders calling for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents during cultural festivals. Kerala’s Chief Minister expressed deep concern, promising a thorough investigation and necessary support for the affected families.

Fireworks Safety Under Scrutiny in India

This tragic event in Kerala adds to India’s concerning history of fireworks-related accidents, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols. Despite existing regulations, incidents continue to highlight the risks associated with crowded festivals and large-scale pyrotechnics. This explosion echoes the infamous 2016 Puttingal Temple fire in Kerala, which claimed over 100 lives, leading to calls for even stricter regulation on firework displays at religious sites.

Expert Opinions on Festival Fireworks Safety

Experts warn that crowded festivals with fireworks can easily turn deadly if safety is compromised. A fire safety advocate emphasized that “these incidents highlight glaring gaps in festival safety management, often due to neglect or unlicensed practices.” Implementing real-time crowd monitoring, designated safe zones, and trained personnel on site can mitigate risks during such events, he suggests.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the need for stringent oversight and the prioritization of safety over tradition in large public gatherings. As Kerala officials work to support victims and investigate the cause, calls for regulatory action are intensifying across the region.

  Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple, Chief Minister, Kasaragod, Kerala Government