KOLLAM: More than 100 people were killed and 300 others injured in an explosion during fireworks display at Puttingal temple in Kollam district of Kerala in the wee hours of Sunday.
The impact of the explosion was so huge that it was felt in a radius of one kilometre from the temple. A building in the temple premises completely collapsed in the explosion.
According to eyewitnesses, most of the victims died in the building collapse. While others suffered burn victims, some were also injured and killed in a stampede that followed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wil visit Kollam at 3.30 pm today to take stock of the situation. The Prime Minister as well as Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy over phone and promised all help including requisitioning of air ambulance to ferry the victims.
According to sources, Congress president Rahul Gandhi will also reach the mishap site this afternoon.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said a special meeting of the state cabinet will be held at 1 pm in Kollam. The cabinet meeting will decide on the nature of the probe into the mishap and will also discuss compensation for the victims.
“Since the model code of conduct is in place, the Chief Secretary has spoken to the Election Commission for clearances regarding the compensation to be awarded.,” Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said.
According to Chennithala, the victims were being treated at 12 hospitals in and around Kollam. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state to take stock of the situation.
The Kollam District Administration said it had denied permission to the temple authorities for carrying out fireworks display. However, police said a conditional permission to carry out minor fireworks was obtained.
Police have registered cases against two contractors who supplied the explosives and also against the temple administration.
Control Rooms have been opened to coordinate rescue oprations: 0474 2512344, 949760778, 949730869 (Kollam) and 0471 2528647 (Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram)