Huge fire kills 102, wounds over 200 in South India
At least 102 people have lost their lives and some 245 others sustained injuries in a massive fire accident in the Indian port city of Kollam.
The raging fire was reportedly started in the early hours of Sunday when a firecracker sparked a cache of pyrotechnic devices and ignited a massive explosion during the Vishu festival celebration in Puttingal Temple in the coastal town of Paravur, located near Kollam city in the southern state of Kerala.
Police sources have confirmed the death toll to local media.
The tragic accident happened a few days before the Vishu festival slated for April 14 in Kerala. The fest marks the Indian New Year and is widely known as the festival of light and fireworks.
According to local media, the fire has been brought under control and the victims have been rushed to a hospital in Kollam, while the critically injured ones were transferred to a hospital in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the he had asked police to rush to the site and that he would coordinate all rescue efforts.
“The temple holds an annual firework display every year. We’re doing our best to rescue those still trapped,” he further said, adding that a judicial inquiry would be ordered into the accident and that the Chief Minister will be at the site around noon.
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