A minor explosion rocked the premises of the renowned Attukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two individuals injured and causing panic among devotees. The incident occurred around 2:30 pm at a toilet block located within the temple complex.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The blast took place while maintenance work, specifically welding, was in progress at the building which houses a block of 25 toilets. Two workers engaged in the welding activity sustained injuries in the explosion. Alert locals quickly rushed the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that the condition of both workers is now stable.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Accidental Cause
Initial findings from the investigation suggest that the blast was accidental. Sparks generated during the ongoing welding work are suspected to have ignited gases formed from septic waste, leading to the explosion. The Fort police, who have registered a case on the matter, emphasized that no explosive materials were found at the site, ruling out foul play for now.
Following the incident, the fire and rescue team conducted a thorough safety inspection of the structure. Their assessment confirmed that the explosion caused some structural issues to the building. Temple authorities have been formally briefed about these safety concerns.
Ongoing Probe and Impact
The sudden blast caused significant alarm and panic among devotees and local residents present in the area. While the immediate danger has been addressed, the structural integrity of the affected block is under scrutiny. The police are continuing their investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events and to finalize the cause of the blast.
This unfortunate event highlights the potential hazards associated with maintenance work in confined spaces where hazardous gases may accumulate. The temple administration is expected to review safety protocols for future repair and maintenance activities within the complex.
