n a devastating incident during a festival in southern India’s Kerala, over 150 people sustained injuries from a firecracker explosion at a temple.

The incident took place at the Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple in Nileshwaram, Kasaragod district on October 29.

Visuals showed the chaotic scene inside the temple and surrounding areas as firecrackers unexpectedly detonated, escalating into a massive explosion. A large crowd had gathered for the festival, and upon the blast, pandemonium erupted, with people scrambling in all directions for safety. Smoke engulfed the air, accompanied by flickering flames from the explosion site.

Speaking to Newslions, Station House Officer at the Fire and Rescue Station Kanhangad, Pavithran P.V, stated that the incident occurred around 12:05 a.m. during the temple’s annual Kaliyattam festival, attracting nearly 1,500 devotees. The explosion was triggered when a spark from ongoing fireworks ignited firecrackers stored on the premises, resulting in the catastrophic blast.

Authorities reported that around three to eight individuals were critically injured and admitted to various hospitals, including Pariyaram Medical College and facilities in Mangalore, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Local officials and the district police chief promptly arrived at the scene to oversee rescue operations.

Local CPI-M legislator M. Rajagopal expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it extremely unfortunate, and has contacted the district collector for a thorough investigation into the causes. Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan also conveyed his support and well-wishes to those injured.