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Image: Reuters
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's government has ordered a judicial investigation into the incident, along with a probe by the Crime Branch.
At least 102 people have been confirmed killed and over 380 injured in a massive fire that broke out at the Puttingal Devi Temple in the city of Kollam in Kerala early on Sunday. Sixty bodies, which were taken to the Kollam Government Hospital, have been identified so far. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told NDTV that the fire has been brought under control now and the injured are being taken to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those killed, and Rs 2 lakh for each of the injured
The blaze started around 3.30 am on Sunday after fireworks were lit in celebration of the Vishu festival, which marks the beginning of the new year. The explosives, which were kept in a shed inside the temple complex, ignited after the firecrackers were burst, reported Manorama. According to reports, the temple authorities did not have permission to conduct the fireworks display. The Kerala government has ordered a judicial investigation into the incident, which will be presided by a retired High Court judge, along with a probe by the Crime Branch.
At least 15,000 people are reported to have been present in and around the temple when the fire broke out. The National Disaster Response Force was sent to Kollam to assist the local authorities in the rescue operations, reported PTI. The Indian Air Force and Navy have also dispatched ships, aircrafts and helicopters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Kollam later in the day, along with a medical team comprising burn specialists. He earlier announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the people killed in the fire and Rs 50,000 each for the injured, reported PTI.
Emergency Helpline numbers: 0474 2512344, 949760778 and 949730869.