KOLLAM: In one of the worst tragedies to hit Kerala, at least 106 people were killed and 383 injured in a devastating fire that engulfed the 100-year-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex near here during an unauthorised display of fireworks early today.
A late night statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said 106 people had lost their lives in the incident that left 383 others with injuries.
A judicial probe by a retired High Court Judge was ordered by the State Government along with an investigation by Crime Branch into the tragedy, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced after an emergency Cabinet meeting over the tragedy.
The tragedy struck around 3.30 AM during display of fireworks at the temple complex, which is around 70 kms from the State capital Thiruvananthapuram.
The fireworks, for which no permission had been granted by Revenue and police officials, had started at midnight as part of an annual festival and thousands of people had gathered to witness it.
The mishap occurred as sparks of the fireworks fell on the store room ‘Kambapura’ and the fire crackers kept there exploded with a deafening noise, police said. (AGENCIES)
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