A fireworks display at a temple in Nileshwaram, Kerala, turned into a horrific explosion, resulting in injuries to hundreds of people, with eight in critical condition.
A large crowd gathered around the Hindu temple to watch the fireworks on Monday evening. Suddenly, a series of crackling sounds were heard from within a building, followed by a massive fireball shooting up into the sky.
Local police chief Shilpa Dyavaiah reported that around eight people are in critical condition, and around 154 sustained injuries.
“The firecrackers were ignited very close to the store of additional firecrackers causing sparks from the explosions to reach the stockpile”, police chief stated.
Aa per media reports the blaze resulted in burns to the faces and hands of individuals in the crowded area.
Local government official K. Inbasekhar mentioned that temple officials did not grant any permission for the fireworks display.
According to Indian officials, the temple president and secretary had been taken into custody.
