One killed, four hurt in mystery blast at Kancheepuram temple

According to the police, the explosion took place at Gangaiamman temple in Manampathi near Tiruporur in Kancheepuram when the group smashed an unidentified object that fell down from a tree.

The deceased was identified as K Surya (22) of Koovathur, who was working as a mechanic. He was in Manampathi to visit his grandmother and participate in the birthday celebration of A Dileepan (25), who was also injured in the blast. Other persons injured were identified as V Jyaram (28), V Yuvaraj (25), D Thirumal (22).

The incident happened around 5 pm when the youngsters were getting ready to cut a cake under the tree. “An unidentified object fell from the tree. The group thought that it could be a treasure box. As the temple pond was cleaned for Aadi festival recently, they thought someone might have got the ‘treasure box’ from the pond and hidden it in the tree. When they smashed it open, it exploded and Surya was killed on the spot,” the police said.

The other four suffered injuries due to the shrapnel from the explosion. The shrapnel also created numerous holes in the nearby wall.

The police believe that the mystery object could be remains of firework used in the temple festival held recently. “It might have got stuck in the tree branch then and fell down on Sunday. However, we are not yet sure. The remains would be sent to a forensic lab for test. A sniffer dog that was taken to the spot just went around the tree,” the police sources said.

All the injured have been taken to the Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital for treatment. A police team headed by the Kancheepuram SP visited the injured persons and conducted an inquiry with them. “We expect to get a clear picture one we receive the forensic report,”police said.