Kasaragod: The Kerala government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a fire accident that injured over 154 people during an event at the Veerarkavu Temple near Neeleswaram. The accident, which happened late Monday night, was triggered by an explosion of firecrackers stored near the performance site.

The district administration said that the additional divisional magistrate has been directed to carry out an inquiry separately into the incident and submit a report.

Police reported Tuesday that while the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, eyewitnesses claimed sparks from the firecrackers ignited a stockpile of fireworks nearby. As the fireworks exploded, chaos ensued, with attendees, including women and children, scrambling for safety. Mobile footage aired on local television showed people fleeing in panic as a ball of fire and smoke erupted on the temple premises.

A case has been registered under the Explosive Substance Act and sections of the BNS, with eight temple committee members booked. Officials said that initial findings indicate a lack of compliance with safety regulations, as firecrackers were ignited close to their storage area without required permits, breaching the mandated 100-meter separation rule. The District Collector confirmed that those seriously injured sustained burns on up to 80% of their bodies and are currently being treated in hospitals across Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and neighboring Mangalore in Karnataka. PTI