More than 150 injured in fireworks accident in Kerala-Watch, India

A total of 154 people were injured in a fireworks accident in the Indian state of Kerala early Tuesday (October 29). According to a report by news agency ANI, the accident took place during a festival celebration at the Veerarkavu temple in Kasargod.

Speaking to ANI, Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said, “Around 154 people have been injured and admitted to different hospitals. This Theyyam festival is a custom of the people of North Malabar. Each family leads the Theyyam… The Theyyam starts with this. Veerarkavu Temple. This is the beginning of this year’s Theyyam.

The explosion was reported from the temple’s fireworks store. The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. The injured were taken to different hospitals in Kasargod, Kannur and Mangaluru.

Footage of the accident shared by news agency PTI showed scores of people gathering at the temple to celebrate Theyyam as fireworks started exploding nearby.

Warning- Graphic visual content. Discretion is required

There was confusion at the scene as people took video of the explosion instead of running away.

Kasargod MP Unnithan told ANI on Tuesday that police were not vigilant about the festival. “By the grace of God, only 150 people were injured in this incident. The police were not vigilant about this festival,” he said.

Local authorities said eight people were in serious condition. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion.

(With input from agencies)