Nileshwar fire accident: Low-power firecrackers resulted in limited casualties

Nileshwar: New details have emerged about the firecracker incident that happened at the Veerarkavu temple here on Tuesday.  It turns out that a major disaster was narrowly avoided. Temple committee officials reported that only Rs 3,000 worth of firecrackers were stored at the temple. These low-power firecrackers were purchased to be used only during a particular moment- the beginning of a ritual - in the festival celebrations.

The Theyyam performance was scheduled to begin at 3:30 am, and it is customary to burst firecrackers as part of the festivities. Chinese firecrackers, which are generally less powerful, were specifically bought for the occasion. The incident took place around 12.30 am on Tuesday. According to eyewitnesses, the catastrophic incident unfolded as fireworks began in connection with the ‘vellattam purappadu’ of Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam.

A cracker misfired and fell onto a building where explosives were stored.  The explosion caused a massive fire, injuring numerous onlookers, including women and children who had gathered nearby to witness the Theyyam performance. The crackers were stored in a temporary shed built adjacent to the temple wall. This building, made of sheet metal and located close to the temple wall, was filled with people, including women and children, all of whom suffered burns.

Witnesses described the explosion as a massive fireball. Many individuals sustained burns on their faces and hands, and several had their clothes singed. This incident marks one of the dangerous events that often accompany the festival games in North Malabar.

The explosion happened at approximately 12:15 am, causing serious burns to many, including women and children. The injured were quickly taken to Kasaragod district hospital and several private clinics. Those with severe injuries were moved to private hospitals in Mangaluru, Kannur, and the Kannur Government Medical College Hospital.