Over 30 spectators injured as fireworks go awry at football ground in India

19/2/2025 17:07

Over 30 spectators were injured after fireworks went awry at a football ground in the southern Indian state of Kerala, police said Wednesday.



The fireworks display at the jampacked football ground on Tuesday was part of pre-match celebrations of a local tournament at the Areekode football ground in Malappuram district, about 388 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.



According to police, no fatalities have been reported so far.



Witnesses said no sooner the fireworks placed in the middle of the ground were set off, crackers flung to the spectators sitting on the front rows of the ground.

"The firecrackers that exploded among the crowd inflicted burns on the spectators, while some were injured after falling while running for safety to escape from the burning crackers," a police officer said. "The injured were immediately taken to the hospital."



Reports said police had not given any permission for the fireworks display.



Police said the accident will be investigated.