Rahul, Priyanka express anguish over Kerala temple fireworks accident

by IANS |

New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday expressed deep anguish over the tragic incident in Kasargod, Kerala where more than 150 people were injured in a fireworks explosion during a festival at Anjootambalam Veerakayu temple near Neeleswaram.


“Deeply anguished by the tragic firecracker accident in Kasargod, Kerala, which has left hundreds injured. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” LoP Rahul Gandhi wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.


He urged Congress workers and leaders to actively aid in relief efforts and stand in solidarity with those affected during this crisis.


The tragic incident took place just after Monday midnight when more than 1,500 people were assembled at the temple for the traditional Theyyam festival.


At least 154 people have been injured in the incident, of them, eight are seriously hurt.


Congress General Secretary and Wayanad bypoll candidate Priyanka Gandhi also expressed anguish over the incident.


“Deeply disturbed by the tragic firecracker blast in Kasargod, which has left hundreds injured, many in critical condition. My thoughts and prayers are with those wounded and their families during this difficult time. I urge all INC workers to mobilise and support relief efforts wholeheartedly. Wishing for the swift and full recovery of all affected,” Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X.


According to an eyewitness, the accident occurred after sparks from crackers ignited fireworks stored in a room.


Authorities said as many as 97 people are admitted to various hospitals. They blamed officials attached to Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple for the fire. The police have taken two officials into custody for questioning.


The local authorities said it was a glaring omission of adhering to safety protocols which needed to be followed while bursting firecrackers. The injured included those who had come to watch the popular 'Theyyam' ritual.

Latest News
3rd Test: Gill, Pant hit fifties; Patel claims 5-103 as India take 28-run lead Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 02:08 PM
IMF sees India driving growth in Asia-Pacific region Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 02:04 PM
Two unidentified terrorists killed in J&K’s Anantnag Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 01:05 PM
Government opponents occupy military barracks in Bolivia Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 12:37 PM
Iran smashes four 'terrorist' teams in Sistan, Baluchestan Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 12:25 PM
ASI kills self in police barrack in Patna Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 12:20 PM
Bursting of firecrackers post-Diwali further spikes air pollution in Kolkata Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 12:16 PM
3rd Test: Gill, Pant hammer fifties as India reach 195/5, 40 runs adrift of NZ at lunch Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 12:00 PM
Facebook India’s net profit up 43 pc to Rs 505 crore in FY24 Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 11:55 AM
Elon Musk lays off more employees from X: Report Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 11:50 AM
Google India’s net profit rises over 6 pc in FY24 Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 11:40 AM
New species of superbug behind spike in severe human infections Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 11:38 AM
India plays key role in finalising G20 consensus on disaster risk reduction Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 11:32 AM
J&K: Gunfight breaks out in downtown area of Srinagar Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 11:25 AM
Meet the private chef behind implementing Rishabh Pant’s performance-based nutrition plan Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 10:49 AM