Two killed in separate incidents of firecracker explosions in Kozhikode, Malappuram

Kozhikode: Two people lost their lives in separate incidents involving firecracker explosions on scooters during election victory celebrations in Kozhikode and Malappuram.In Kozhikode's Balussery, a scooter carrying firecrackers caught fire and exploded near Thorat-Punathara, killing pillion rider Sandeep (35) and seriously injuring the rider, Jishnu (30). The incident occurred in Kurumboi ward during celebrations following the victory of a Congress candidate. Firecrackers stored under the scooter seat are believed to have triggered the blast, which completely destroyed the vehicle. In Malappuram, 27-year-old Irshad, son of Moideen Kutty from Pulikkal Periyambalam, was killed in an explosion at Chakkanthodi Junction on the Periyambalam-Paravoor road around 6.15pm. Irshad had come to the victory celebrations of Jaisila Nasru, the IUML candidate for ward 9 of Cherukavu panchayat. A spark from one firecracker fell into a pile of crackers stored on the scooter's footboard, triggering a powerful explosion that proved fatal.