Elderly woman killed, another injured as crackers explode

A 65-year old woman was killed and another sustained severe burns when firecrackers they were making for a temple festival exploded at Maradu near here today, police said.

Nalini was killed and Jalaja (65) sustained 80 per cent burns in the explosion that occurred around noon at a building of 'Thekke Cheruvaram' (temple festival committee) where they were making the crackers for the coming 'Thaalappolli' festival of Kottaram Bhagavathi temple at Maradu.

The injured has been hospitalized here, police said adding investigation was on to ascertain the reasons for the explosion.

The building suffered damage in the incident. Excise Minister K Babu visited the place and also the injured woman.