Nileshwar: As the disaster at Theru Anhoottambalam Veerarkavu temple, which has left 154 persons injured and admitted to various hospitals in Kannur, Kasaragod and Mangaluru, shook Nileshwar, district collector K Inbasekar said that the temple has no permission to conduct fireworks. “The temple authorities have not applied for permission for fireworks. The police have taken the temple officials into custody. Legal steps would be initiated against them. A primary investigation has already started”, he said.

The incident took place around 12.30 am on Tuesday. According to eye witnesses, 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. 

Condition of 10 in serious state

According to the police, 154 persons have been injured in the accident and admitted to various hospitals in Kasaragod, Kannur and Mangaluru. The condition of 10 persons are very critical, sources said. 

Two temple office-bearers have been taken into custody in connection with the incident, said D Shilpa, District police chief. Crackers were stored here without permission, she said. Both Collector and district police chief have said that the police would ensure that proper legal procedures would be followed while conducting fireworks in connection with temple festivals.