Kollam: The central explosives controller has found blatant violations of rules, including the use of banned explosive potassium chlorate and improper installation of fire barrels, for the fireworks at the Puttingal temple leading to the massive tragedy.
According to the preliminary report submitted by explosives controller Sudarsan Kamal to the Centre, all the norms prescribed under the explosives Act were violated by the temple authorities. Huge quantities of explosives were used in the fireworks which were conducted as a competitive item despite a ban order from the district administration.
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The fireworks organisers at the Puttingal temple had ignored the presence of 11 houses in the vicinity of the spot and the warnings issued by various government agencies. The concrete cracker house was constructed without maintaining the prescribed distance, the report said.
It was the improper installation of fire barrels that led to the accident. The organisers had flouted the rule that the barrels should be tied together using wires and that they must be buried into the earth up to half of their length. A misplaced barrel that inclined during the firing might have caused the fire to spread to the cracker house which was constructed close to the premise, the report said.
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Three cars laden with explosives were found near the Sharkara temple, 500 metres from the Puttingal temple on Monday evening. The explosives, which were brought for the competitive fireworks, will be defused by a team under the Central explosives controller at a remote metal quarry on Wednesday.
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A five-member forensic team also inspected the spot and collected evidence for further inquiry. Meanwhile, Union health minister J.P. Nadda visited the accident spot along with actor Suresh Gopi on Tuesday. Mr. Nadda has been camping in the district for the last two days.
