Massive fire and explosion during public display of fireworks at Puttingal Temple, Kollam District, Kerala

New Delhi, April 10, 2016: A massive fire and explosion occurred during public display of fireworks at Puttingal Temple, Kollam District, Kerala at about 3.00 AM on April 10. As per the preliminary reports, 84 people have died and over 250 sustained injuries.

The accident occurred during display of fireworks. Prima facie, from pictures seen on TV news channels, it was observed that large quantity of fireworks items were used for the public display. It is mandatory to obtain a licence in Form LE-6 under Explosives Rules 2008 from District Magistrate for public Display of fireworks.

As per the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directive Fireworks should be used only upto 10 pm. and as per as per Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification no. G.S.R. 682 (E) dated 05/10/1999 the noise level of cracker should not exceed 125 dB.

Necessary advisory have been issued from time to time by Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Ernakulam to all District Magistrates for grant of licences in Form LE-6 under Explosives Rules 2008 and safety measures to be taken.

Following officials from PESO are visiting the accident site to assist the district administration in finding out the cause of accident and to suggest measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in future.

Dr. S. Kamal Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur, Dr. A. K. Yadav Jt. Chief Controller of Explosives, South Circle, Chennai, Shri R. Venugopal, Dy. Chief Controller of Explosives, Hyderabad, Shri Thiagarajan, Controller of Explosives, Sivakasi T.N. and Shri S. Kandasamy, Dy. Controller of Explosives, Ernakulam.