At least 150 people were injured in a firework explosion at a temple in southern India on Monday evening.
A fireworks storage facility near Veerarkavu temple caught fire, the Press Trust of India reported, citing the police.
The incident took place at the Anjootambalam Veerarkavu temple in Kerala state.
The injured were treated at hospitals in Kasargod, Kannur, and Mangaluru districts. Eight of them had serious injuries.
Police took the temple committee’s president and secretary into custody and launched an investigation.
Fireworks are in high demand in India, being frequently used during celebrations.
In February, a fire ripped through a fireworks factory in central India, killing 11 people and injuring about 150.
Massive Fire Accident in Kerala's Kasaragod
— India Brains (@indiabrains) October 29, 2024
A major explosion occurred during the Kaliyatam festival at the Neeleswaram temple when fireworks ignited near a storage area holding additional firecrackers. Over 150 people have been injured in this incident. pic.twitter.com/KpPwCTgy8R