MALAPPURAM: The police have registered a case in connection with the fireworks display during a football match at Therattammal in Areekode. Forty people were injured when firecrackers were displayed. The fireworks were displayed without getting permission. A case has been registered against the organizing committee. The Areekode police have registered a case for the careless lighting and display of fireworks.

The incident happened last night at around 8:30 pm. The accident occurred during the fireworks display ahead of the start of the All-India Sevens Football Final match being held in Therattammal. The crackers flung to the spectators sitting on the front rows of the galleries. Some suffered burns and some others fell while running to flee from the crackers. The injured sought treatment at various private hospitals in Areekode. It is said that none of the injuries are serious. Most of the injured are children. The injured were immediately taken to the hospital by locals and police. The fire force arrived from Mukkam to douse the fire.

It is said the accident was caused by the lapse in using the fireworks. Fireworks and firecrackers were used on a large scale under the supervision of the committee. The main reason for the accident was that no precautions were taken and the spectators were not kept at a distance. The direction to seek the services of the fire force when using fireworks was also not followed here. The floodlight competition started here a month ago. Leading teams from various districts had arrived here for the competition. Following the accident, the committee tried to start the game, but was forced to stop due to the resistance of the spectators. The organizers informed the spectators that the final match would be held later. In the final match, which was celebrated with great fanfare, more spectators than the gallery could handle were also allowed here. The committee did not seek the service of the police A large crowd had gathered at the ground yesterday to watch the final match.

No safety precautions taken
The preliminary report said no safety precautions were taken for the use of fireworks and bursting of crackers. Although there is a law that prohibits people from gathering in groups where fireworks are used, it was burst on the competition ground without following it. The help of the fire force was also not sought. In 2022, a gallery collapsed during a competition here and several people were injured. It was reported at the time that it was a safety lapse.