This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/10/india-temple-fire-kollam-deaths-kerala-vishu
The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Scores killed in India as fire breaks out at 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 70 people dead and 150 injured. | |
The incident took place at 3.30am as worshippers had gathered to celebrate the Hindu new year festival Vishu at the Puttingal temple, in Kerala state. | |
State home minister Ramesh Chennitala said more than 70 people died and 150 others were injured in the fire. | |
He says the blaze was started by firecrackers stored in the crowded temple. | He says the blaze was started by firecrackers stored in the crowded temple. |
The temple was gutted as huge flames engulfed the building within minutes, trapping devotees within the temple, he said. | |
Large crowds had come together at the temple to watch the fireworks display. | |
The minister said firefighters and police worked during the night at the temple to douse the fire. | |
“Now the situation is under control... the police are on the spot,” he said. | |
The government has reportedly launched an investigation into the tragedy. | The government has reportedly launched an investigation into the tragedy. |
Indian media reported more than 80 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. |
Images from the scene posted on Twitter showed a huge fireball erupting into the night sky. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
This is a breaking news story please check back for updates... | This is a breaking news story please check back for updates... |