Kasargod

Police have arrested three people linked to the firecracker tragedy at the Oottabalam Veerarkav Daivasthana, located near the city’s highway. The arrested individuals include Padannakad Chandrashekharan, the Committee President, Secretary K. T. Bharathan, and member Rathish. Another suspect, Vijayan, is still on the run. Authorities have stated that a total of eight committee members are involved in this case.

The tragedy struck during the Vellatam event around 2:15 a.m. on Tuesday when a spark from a firecracker ignited a shed where additional crackers were stored for the annual Kaliattam celebration. The explosion injured 154 people, who were taken to various hospitals, including A.J. Hospital, K.S. Hegde Hospital, and Fr. Muller’s Hospital in Mangaluru, as well as facilities in Kannur and Kanhangad. By Tuesday evening, 52 of the injured had been discharged, while 69 remained in treatment across 13 hospitals, with eight in critical condition. Additionally, 29 individuals are in the ICU, and 21 are receiving care at three private hospitals in Mangaluru. The community is rallying together to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.