Over 154 injured, eight in critical condition in fireworks accident in Neeleswaram, two temple authorities taken into custody

KASARGOD: Reports said the condition of a person injured in the fireworks accident in Neeleswaram is very critical. 154 people sustained injuries. The condition of eight out of the 97 injured is in a serious condition. The accident happened during the Neeleswaram Anjutambalam Veerarkav Theyamkettu Mahotsavam.

The incident happened last midnight during Kulichu Thottam ritual of the Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam. The spark from the fireworks ignited the fire. Sandeep, who was injured in the accident and being treated at MIMS in Kozhikode, is in a critical condition. 16 people are undergoing treatment in Kanhangad Hospital, 10 in Sanjeevani Hospital, 17 in Aishal Hospital, five in Pariyaram Medical College, 18 in MIMS Kannur, two in MIMS Kozhikode, three in Arimala Hospital, two in KAH Cheruvathur, five in Mansoor Hospital, one in Deepa Hospital and 18 in A J Medical College in Mangalore.

Kasaragod district collector Inbasekar K said that no permission was taken for the storage of fireworks. The requirement of maintaining a minimum distance of 100 meters was not followed. Here the firecrackers were burst at a distance of two or three feet. The police have registered a case and started investigation. A case has been registered for careless handling of fireworks. The reason for the accident was that the crackers were kept near the place where the fireworks were being fired. The collector also informed that samples have been collected from the spot. The president and secretary of the temple committee have been taken into custody.