Over 150 Injured in Intense Firework Explosion at Temple in India

Indian police have arrested the president and secretary of a temple in Nileshwaram, Kerala, following a massive fireworks explosion that injured at least 150 people on Monday night.

The incident occurred during an unauthorized fireworks show at the Hindu temple, where crowds had gathered to watch the display. Videos shared on social media show a powerful burst of flames reaching high into the sky, with crackling sounds heard moments before the explosion.

Local police chief Shilpa Dyavaiah reported that eight people remain in critical condition, and 97 of the injured are currently hospitalized. According to Dyavaiah, the firecrackers were set off near a storage area, and sparks from the initial bursts ignited the cache of firecrackers.

Officials confirmed that permission had not been granted for the fireworks event. Local government official K Inbasekhar emphasized that no authorization was given, underscoring the lack of safety measures.

India has a history of tragic incidents at religious gatherings due to safety lapses and poor crowd management. In 2016, a fireworks explosion at a temple during Hindu New Year celebrations killed at least 112 people. As India approaches its major fireworks season for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, safety concerns are heightened.

The colorful Diwali festival celebrates the goddess Lakshmi and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. However, the festival’s widespread use of fireworks produces heavy pollution, leading cities like New Delhi to impose firecracker bans to mitigate air quality issues. Enforcement remains challenging, however, due to strong religious sentiments tied to the tradition.