A fireworks explosion during the annual festival at the Anjootambalam Veerakavu temple near Neeleswaram in Kerala’s Kasaragod district left at least 154 people injured, including nine with severe injuries, late Monday (October 28) night.

The incident occurred amid the kaliyattam ritual, also known as theyyam, which drew thousands of attendees, reported The Indian Express.

According to police reports, the explosion was triggered when a spark from the fireworks display landed on the nearby magazine storing additional explosives, which was positioned less than 100 meters from the fire-line, igniting a series of blasts.

The sudden explosion led to widespread panic, with many attendees suffering burn injuries.

Kasaragod District Collector K. Inbasekar reported that the temple authorities had not secured official permission for the fireworks display.

Following the incident, police took several temple office bearers into custody. Those with serious injuries have been admitted to the government medical college in Kannur, while others are receiving treatment at various hospitals across Kasaragod.

Some of the injured have also been transferred to hospitals in Mangaluru for further care.