A fire accident at Puttingal Temple in Kollam, Kerala killed at least 105 (by the time of this report) and grievously injured several. The fire happened at around 3.30AM this morning and the officials say the fire could have been caused due to a blast in the firework stockpile, readied for the temple celebrations.
Police and the local authorities say they have already warned temple authorities to restrict usage of fireworks and also declined permission to stockpile the crackers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Kerala to take stock of the situation. More and more dead bodies are being recovered and the injured are being air-lifted.
Several of the bodies are charred beyond recognition. Reports are emerging that the fireworks contractor is also dead. He is reportedly a resident of Kazhakootam in Thiruvananthapuram district. A team of doctors are also accompanying the Prime Minister.
We at M9News, offer our deepest condolences to the affected families.
