Fri Feb 21 04:13:54 UTC 2025: ## Fireworks Accident Injures Five at Kerala Temple Festival
**Kannur, Kerala –** Five people, including a 12-year-old child, were injured in a fireworks accident during a Theyyam festival at the Neerkadavu Muchiriyan temple in Kannur district, Kerala, early Friday morning. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when a firecracker fell into the crowd and exploded.
One individual sustained critical injuries and was transferred to a hospital in Mangaluru, while three others suffered serious wounds. The injured have been identified as Arjun (20), Adith (12), Sanil Kumar (57), Niketh (57), and Nithin (30). The accident took place during the tenth Theyyam performance, which attracted a large gathering.
Authorities are investigating the incident and are expected to review safety measures at temple festivals following the accident. Additional District Magistrate Padmachandra Kurup stated that the temple organizers failed to obtain the necessary permission for the fireworks display, which were intended for the final rituals.
This incident follows a similar tragedy on October 29, 2024, at the Anjoottambalam Veerarkavu temple in Kasaragod, where an explosion injured 154 people, resulting in six fatalities. The current investigation will likely focus on ensuring stricter adherence to safety regulations at future religious events.
First Piper 