Nileshwar: A devastating fire broke out during the fireworks display at the Veerarkavu Temple festival in Theru Anhoottambalam, Nileshwar, in Kasaragod, in the wee hours of Tuesday. The incident occurred at approximately 12.30 AM, resulting in severe burns for 154 persons, including women and children.

The disaster have left people shattered as mayhem prevailed over at the temple premises. The crowd gathered on the premises couldn’t realise what had happened as they ran helter-skelter, to save their lives. According to sources, around 154 persons have been injured and admitted to various hospitals in the region. Of this, the condition of 10 persons are reported to be serious. 

It is said that, the condition of five persons admitted to district hospital, Kanhangad is very critical. There are 33 persons admitted to district hospital. According to the police, 19 persons have been admitted to Aishal Hospital, Kanhangad and 12 persons have been admitted to Arimala Hospital. 

Forty persons have been admitted to Sanjeevani hospital. Apart from this, 11 persons have been admitted to Nileshwar Taluk hospital and 5 persons have been admitted to Aster MIMS hospital, Kannur. According district administration, more injured persons have been admitted to hospitals in Mangaluru and Kannur Government Medical College Hospital, Pariyaram as well. 

According to eye witnesses, the catastrophic incident unfolded during the fireworks display at the Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam festival at Nileshwar, in Kasaragod district  in Kerala, when 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 fireworks, stored in a makeshift shelter adjacent to the temple wall, exploded with great force, resulting in severe burns primarily to the faces and hands of many victims. Clothing was also ignited in the blaze.

This unfortunate event marks the beginning of the festive season in Northern Malabar. Local officials, including Collector K. Imbasekar, District Police Chief D. Shilpa, Kanhangad DySP Babu Peringeth and Neeleswaram Municipal  Chairperson T.V. Shantha  arrived at the scene and hospitals to oversee rescue operations.

Community members, alongside the Nileshwar Fire Brigade , participated in the rescue efforts, while a significant police presence secured the area. Authorities are now focused on supporting the injured and investigating the incident further.

Victims were rushed to the District Hospital in Kasaragod, along with several private hospitals in the area. Those with critical injuries were subsequently transferred to private hospitals in Mangaluru and Kannur, as well as the Government Medical College Hospital in Kannur.

Among the injured are Prakashan, his son Advait, and Lathish, who have all been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kannur. The situation remains dire as emergency services continue to manage the fallout from this tragic event. 

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while local communities rally to support the victims and their families during this challenging time.