Which event triggers the series of accusations in "The Crucible"?

The series of accusations in "The Crucible" is triggered by a mysterious illness affecting the children, most notably Betty Parris, the daughter of Reverend Parris. This sudden and unexplained affliction raises panic in the town of Salem, leading the adults to speculate about witchcraft as a possible cause. The children's strange behaviors and incapacitation prompt the community to fear that darker forces are at play, leveraging their existing superstitions and fears. This situation creates a fertile ground for accusations, particularly as the town is already rife with tension and instability. The fear of witchcraft becomes the catalyst for individuals to voice their grievances against others, which spirals into a widespread hysteria characterized by numerous accusations and trials.