Badlega India
At least 102 people have been killed in a major fire at a temple in Paravoor in Kerala’s Kollam district on Sunday morning. Over 300 others have been injured in the tragedy that took place at Puttingal temple in Paravoor, said Kollam Assistant Commissioner of Police K Lalji.
The Kerala government has ordered a probe into the incident. It has also sought help from Indian Air Force to shift patients with third degree burns to Trivandrum or to Kochi. Four helicopters including Mi-17 and ALH from Sulur are being used to shift patients.
Police, disaster management teams and fire brigade are on the spot for rescue and relief work.
Sources said that the District Collector did not give permission to the temple authorities for fireworks display. Competitive fire display was also stayed after complaints from the local residents. The development raises questions over the safety measures taken by temple authorities.
Local media reports quoting Kollam district authorities said that the temple authorities ignored warnings issued against holding a huge firework in the area vulnerable to such accident.
Police confirms, ‘Thousands of people had gathered at the temple precincts to witness the fireworks display which were on since midnight. The mishap occurred as sparks fell on the storeroom ‘Kambapura’ and exploded with a thundering noise at around 3.30 AM.’
The sound of the explosion could be heard over a kilometer radius.The whole area plunged into darkness as the power supply went off and people ran huurry-scurry, as per the present at the temple.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who is rushing to the accident spot said, the situation was “unprecedented and alarming, Rescue operation at the mishap spot is over. More importantly government is now focusing to provide best treatment to the injured.”
The fire has been brought under control.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said, “The fire broke out at 3:30 AM during celebration through fire crackers. I have asked the DGP to go to the spot and take stock of the situation. We will give financial assistance to victims. I am myself going to the spot.”
He said, “A judicial inquiry will be ordered. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the relief and rescue operations.”
Many bodies have been charred and a DNA test would be conducted to ascertain the identity of the deceased.
Watch how fire broke at Puttingal temple fire in Kollam (Kerala) due to fireworks display:
WATCH: Moment when fire broke at Puttingal temple fire in Kollam (Kerala) due to fireworks display, 75 dead.https://t.co/xXtBnZkgWX
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 10, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs two lakh each as compensation for the kin & kith of the people died in Kollam temple fire, in which more than 102 people have been killed on Sunday.
He also announced Rs fifty thousand each for the people who got injured in the tragedy that occurred early morning in Puttingal Devi Temple near Kollam town on sunday.
Expressing grief and shock over the disaster, he directed the Indian Air Force to carry the injured to hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram for treatment.
The Prime Minister already left for the Kerala straight to the incident site to know the situation and to meet the injured.
PM is accompanied with a team of doctors specialising in treating burn injuries along with him.
A team of doctors including burn specialists will accompany PM @narendramodi to Kerala.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2016
Modi will be directly landing in the town where the mishap took place. All protocol has been waived including the Governor and the Chief Minister receiving the Prime Minster at the helipad.
PM has directed that no protocol formalities be observed on his arrival in Kerala & focus remains on relief & rescue operations in Kollam.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 10, 2016
Modi has directed IAF and Navy to divert all helicopters in the command for carrying injured to major hospitals in nearby cities.
