Festival Night Turns to Panic
Thiruvananthapuram: In an unexpected turn of events, a “ball of fire” erupted during a fireworks display at Kerala’s Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple, injuring over 150 people, including 10 who remain in critical condition. What was supposed to be a night of celebration transformed into a scene of panic as flames and smoke engulfed the temple grounds, sending festival-goers fleeing in fear.
Eyewitnesses Describe a Frightening Explosion
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as shockingly intense. “It started with a massive, deafening blast. Then, out of nowhere, this huge ball of fire just took over, and people couldn’t escape fast enough,” recounted Priyesh, a local who was at the festival with his family. The high turnout that night—unusually large for a Monday—added to the chaos, making escape difficult as flames consumed the grounds.
Fireworks Stored Dangerously Close to the Crowd
The fireworks, including some imported “Chinese crackers” valued at approximately ₹28,000, were stored alarmingly close to the crowd in a makeshift tin shed. Authorities have confirmed that safety guidelines mandating a 100-meter distance from the display area were not followed. Kasaragod collector Inbasekar K emphasized that the fireworks storage shed was mere feet away from the public, a lapse that is now central to the investigation.
Volunteer Notes Unusual Atmosphere and High Turnout
Sreerag, a volunteer from Bengaluru, noted the crowd’s unusual size and atmosphere that evening. “Monday nights are generally quieter, but the energy was different that night. The crowd was massive, and everyone seemed drawn to the display,” he said, hinting at an inexplicable sense of anticipation that pervaded the gathering.
Local Leaders Question Lack of Safety Measures
Local leaders have voiced concerns over the event’s organization and lack of safety measures, with panchayat member E Shajeer stating, “This is not typical here. We expected a small-scale event, but the distance and crowd control measures weren’t enough to handle the risks involved.”
Temple Authorities Taken into Custody
Following the incident, the temple committee’s president and secretary were taken into custody as authorities probe possible violations. As the community grapples with the aftermath, questions linger about whether the tragic “ball of fire” could have been prevented and whether safety protocols were compromised in the rush to celebrate.