15 injured after crackers explode during church festival in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul

Chennai: The incident took place on Tuesday midnight during the annual festival celebrations at St Mary Magdalene Church in Vakkampatti, Dindigul district.

Hundreds of devotees had gathered to witness the holy car procession, one of the major events of the festival, which began with the flag-hoisting ceremony on July 18.

Before the procession started, aerial crackers were burst near the church as part of the celebrations.

According to reports, a spark from the fireworks fell on a large quantity of crackers stored a few metres away from the church.

The stored crackers caught fire, leading to a series of explosions and causing panic among people gathered for the festival.

Fifteen people suffered injuries in the blast and were immediately taken to Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Two people with severe injuries were later shifted for further medical care. Barath Krishna, 20, from Kalnattanpatti, was referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, while Karan, 24, from the same area, was admitted to a private hospital in Dindigul.

Dindigul Taluk police have registered a case and started an investigation into the incident.

Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the storage and bursting of crackers during the festival celebrations.