"Deeply disturbed by the tragic firecracker blast in Kasargod": Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

New Delhi [India], October 29 (ANI): More than 150 people were injured and 8 were admitted to hospital after a fireworks accident that took place during a festival celebration in Veerarkavu Temple in Kerala's Kasargod.
Expressing her distress over the incident, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to social media X and wrote in a post "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."
Earlier today, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said that it was a very sad incident and the government could have taken care of it.
Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said "This is a very big negligence of the government. It is a very sad incident. I pray for the speedy recovery of the people. they should have taken care of this when they knew something like this could occur."
Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan told ANI, "Shocking news came from Nileshwaram in Kasargod district last night. About 154 people have been injured and admitted to different hospitals. This Theyyam festival is a custom of the people of North Malabar. Every family is conducting the Theyyam... The Theyyam starts from this Veerarkavu Temple. This is the start of this year's Theyyam."
The incident took place at around 12.30 am during the annual Kaliyattam festival at the Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple. Injured have been admitted to various hospitals.
"By the grace of God, only 150 people were injured in this incident. The police were not vigilant about this festival," Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said.
The injured are under treatment in different hospitals in Kasargod and adjoining districts.
Dr. Jinesh Veetilakath, HOD of emergency medicine at Aster MIMS, said, "An unfortunate incident took place at Nileshwar temple. 30 of the patients were brought to the hospital and with the help of the team we were able to stabilise them...further investigation is underway..."
A case has been registered against eight temple committee members under non-bailable sections for conducting the fireworks without permission and violating guidelines. As per the FIR filed, the careless display led to the fire in the fireworks. (ANI)