NILAMBUR: A young man suffered burn injuries during a musical event organized by the Nilambur Municipal Corporation. Saji (29), a member of the Thambolam dance team, suffered burns while performing the fire dance on Sunday. Saji poured kerosene into his mouth, held it aloft and spitted to ignite a fire, but the result was a tragedy as the fire dangerously enveloped Saji’s body causing serious harm.

Immediately the audience and those present at the venue acted timely to douse the fire. Saji's face and body were severely burnt. After being taken to Nilambur District Hospital, he was shifted to Manjeri Medical College for expert treatment.

There was a big crowd present at the venue for the song festival organized by Nilambur municipality and traders. The police allowed the program to be performed only till 10 pm. However, the incident took place at 10:50 pm. Locals accused the organisers of not properly following safety measures while a fire force facility was not requested during the event.

Vinod P. Menon, general convener of the organizing committee, said that the fire dance was performed without the permission of the organizers.