Over 150 individuals were injured, with eight in critical condition, following a fireworks accident during the Kaliyattam festival at the Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple in Kasaragod, Kerala, early Monday morning.

The incident occurred around 12:30 am, reportedly triggered by a fire at a nearby fireworks storage facility.

The injured have been transported to various hospitals in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Mangaluru for treatment.

In response to the incident, senior district officials, including the district collector and police chief, arrived at the scene, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Local communities have come together to support the victims and their families.

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In a related development, the Kerala Police recently filed a First Information Report (FIR) concerning alleged disruptions during the Thrissur Pooram festival in April. The FIR does not name specific individuals but includes charges of criminal conspiracy, incitement to riot, and outraging religious sentiments. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Opposition of exaggerating claims against the festival, which is famous for its elephant and drum parades, while asserting that attempts to disrupt the event were thwarted.