This refers to the report, “Fireworks after cracker carnage” (April 11). The fireworks tragedy was waiting to happen. If indeed the permission for the fireworks display was refused by the district administration, the audacity of the organisers to carry on with the show is shocking. Was the go-ahead denied only for the competitive fireworks, and a token spectacle allowedIJ Did the temple authorities use their clout with the higher-ups at the last minuteIJ
Unfortunately, despite such tragedies, we have not put in place fool-proof mechanisms to avoid disasters. The approach roads to one of Kerala’s oldest temples is said to be too narrow to allow easy escape routes. Governments must learn from this tragedy.