KOCHI: One youth died and eight others were injured on April 15 in a firecracker accident during a church festival near Karukutty in Angamaly.

The dead has been identified as Simon (21), son of Karukutty Mulleparambil native Saaju. Four of the eight injured are in critical condition. The injured are admitted in private hospitals in Angamaly, Chalakkudy and Ernakulam.

The incident happened at around 8.00 pm on Sunday when sparks fell over firecrackers stored in a room in Karukutty Mambara Assisi Nagar. Firecrackers were light in connection with the concluding event of the two-day festival. Sparks flew into the room in which firecrackers were stored and it exploded. Simon, who was close to the room died on the spot. Those standing around the building got injured.

Since the accident happened during the procession, a tragedy of a larger-scale was averted. Also, since people had taken shelter away from the spot due to rain also helped in reducing the intensity of the accident.

Nevertheless, reports say that firecrackers were used during the festival without permission.