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Scores feared killed as fire breaks out at Indian temple in Kollam Scores killed as fire breaks out at Indian temple in Kollam
(35 minutes later)
A large fire at a Hindu temple in the South Indian town of Kollam has reportedly left an estimated 77 people dead and 200 injured. A large fire at a Hindu temple in the south Indian town of Kollam has reportedly left an estimated 60 people dead and 150 injured.
The incident took place at 3.30am as worshippers had gathered to celebrate the Vishu festival at the temple, in Kerala state. The incident took place at 3.30am as worshippers had gathered to celebrate the Vishu festival at the Puttingal temple, in Kerala state.
Indian media said the blaze has been blamed on firecrackers, which ignited inside the temple during the celebrations. State home minister Ramesh Chennitala said more than 60 people died and 150 others were injured in the fire.
Local officials were on their way to the site of the tragedy. He says the blaze was started by firecrackers stored in the crowded temple.
The government has reportedly launched an investigation into the tragedy.
Indian media reported more than 77 people had been killed and 200 injured.
The Times of India said the conclusion of Puttingal temple festival is marked by fireworks and that one of the fireworks ignited firecrackers stored in a shed, leading to a huge explosion.The Times of India said the conclusion of Puttingal temple festival is marked by fireworks and that one of the fireworks ignited firecrackers stored in a shed, leading to a huge explosion.
India Today reported that 200 injured people had been taken to two local hospitals. Images from the scene posted on Twitter showed a huge fireball erupting into the night sky.
A video posted on Twitter showed fireworks exploding into the sky as blast after blast shook the temple and flames erupted.
The Times reported that 200 injured people had been taken to several hospitals, many suffering serious burns.
Kollam beach lies about 70km north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
The port town of Kollam attracts thousands of tourists each year, with its panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. It’s the second largest port in Kerala after Cochin.
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