India, Kerala: A huge fire broke out at Puttingal temple at Paravaur (Kollam District), Kerala early Today morning leaving at least 105 people dead and over a three hundred injured. The fire took place at around 3.30 am this morning. The fire could have been caused due to a blast in the firework stockpile, readied for the temple celebrations.
The police had earlier warned temple authorities to restrict usage of fireworks. MoS Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman has said she has instructed Chief Controller of Explosives (PESO) to rush to Kollam site to check on legal and illegal storage and use of firecrackers, explosives.Speaking to reporters on his arrival in Kollam, Chandy said sufficient medical facilities were available, and that the government was providing best medical care to all the injured. “Meeting state cabinet today, we will discuss and then take a decision on judicial probe. The central government has already offered medical assistance, but we’re fully equipped, arrangements are good,” Chandy said. Indian Navy’s dornier aircraft has arrived in Kollam.
BJP chief Amit Shah arrived in Thiruvananthapuram and visited the injured at the medical hospital. He also announced the government’s compensation package that PM Modi had tweeted about earlier. The Kerala government has ordered a judicial probe into the fire incident, saying anyone found injured will not be spared. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Kerala. A team of doctors are also travelling with PM Modi. The death toll has increased to 105, over 300 are injured
Manorama News reports that the fireworks contractor is also dead. He is reportedly a resident of Kazhakootam in Thiruvananthapuram district. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi offered his condolences: “News of the devastating fire at Puttingal temple in Kollam, Kerala is extremely shocking. My prayers are with the families of those who’ve lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. Spoke to CM Oommen Chandyji to ensure that adequate relief, medical care and assistance is being provided to the injured at the earliest.”