Kollam's Puttingal Temple Fire: 102 Dead, 10,000 Were Watching Fireworks
Kollam Kerela : Over 100 people have been killed and 350 injured in a massive fire that broke out during a fireworks display at the Puttingal temple in Kerala's Kollam district early this morning.
The fire started around 3 am at a ground next to the temple packed with 10,000 to 15,000 people watching an all-night fireworks display that had been banned by the state government.
New Delhi : The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed sadness and shock over the fire tragedy which happened at a temple in Kollam district of Kerala today morning.
" Fire at temple in Kollam is heart-rending and shocking beyond words. My thoughts are with families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.
Spoke to CM Oommen Chandy about the fire at a temple in Kollam. Arranging for immediate shifting of those critically injured via helicopter.
Have also asked my Cabinet colleague and Health Minister JPNadda to immediately reach the site of the fire tragedy in Kollam.
I will be reaching Kerala soon to take stock of the situation arising due to the unfortunate fire tragedy in Kollam", the Prime Minister said in a series of tweets.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the fire in Kollam. The PM also announced a solatium of Rs. 50, 000 to those who are injured in the fire.
The Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation and is in touch with officials. PM has asked airforce and navy to assist in making arrangements for immediate shifting of critically injured via helicopter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kollam with a team of burn specialists.
President Pranab Mukherjee Condoles Loss Of Lives
President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of lives in the massive fire at a temple in Kerala.He tweeted:"Urge state government and other agencies to provide all help to bereaved families and medical assistance to the injured," the President said.
Vice President condoles the tragic loss of lives at Puttingal temple in Kerala
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives at Puttingal temple at Paravaur in Kollam District, Kerala, here today. The Vice President has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He wished speedy recovery to the injured.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today described the fire at a Kerala temple that killed over 100 people as "deeply distressing".
"The news of major fire at Puttingal temple in Kollam is deeply distressing. Extremely pained over the loss of lives in the accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in the accident. My prayers are with the injured," Mr Singh tweeted.
"Spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy regarding the accident who apprised me of the situation. Assured him of all possible help from the Centre," he added.
Over 100 have died and 350 have been injured when fireworks led to a massive fire at Paravur town's Puttingal temple, about 60 km from state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
Sonia Gandhi Expresses Grief Over Kerala Temple Fire
Congress President Sonia Gandhi today expressed grief over the loss of lives in the temple fire tragedy in Kerala that has left over 100 dead.
Praying for the departed souls and well-being of the injured, she has asked the state government to ensure ample and immediate relief measures.
Praying for the departed souls and well-being of the injured, she has asked the state government to ensure ample and immediate relief measures.
Amit Shah Cancels Public Programmes
BJP President Amit Shah, who was scheduled to address two rallies in Kerala today, cancelled his public events in the state in the wake of Puttingal Devi Temple fire tragedy.
"Pained beyond words at the loss of life in fire incident in Puttingal temple, Kerala. My prayers with the family of those affected.
"Cancelling all my public programmes scheduled in Kerala today," he said in tweets.
Mr Shah was to address public meetings in Kannur and Pathanamthitta today in the poll-bound state.
"Pained beyond words at the loss of life in fire incident in Puttingal temple, Kerala. My prayers with the family of those affected.
"Cancelling all my public programmes scheduled in Kerala today," he said in tweets.
Mr Shah was to address public meetings in Kannur and Pathanamthitta today in the poll-bound state.
Navy, IAF Deploy Ships, Helicopters To Help In Rescue Operations
The Indian Navy and the IAF have deployed six helicopters and one Dornier aircraft to help in rescue operations at the Kerala temple where a fire has left over 90 dead.
The IAF has deployed four choppers including Mi17 and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
The Indian Navy is deploying one Dornier and two ALH with medical teams from the southern naval command.
It has also deputed three Naval ships -- INS Kabra, Kalpeni and INS Sukanya with medical stores to Kollam coast to give medical assistance to the injured.
They will be deployed in consultation with local administrative authorities, a Navy spokesperson said.
Surgical teams have also been put on standby at the Naval command hospital in Kochi.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the temple had defied orders not to allow "competitive fireworks", which are a tradition during the seven-day festival of Goddess Kali.
"A spark from the crackers being burst fell into the stack of crackers kept in a makeshift compartment at the ground, triggering the fire. The space was an open ground," a police official said.
Visuals on TV showed huge clouds of white smoke and explosions in the night sky. Successive explosions sent huge chunks of concrete flying as far as a kilometer according to a witness. Some parts of the temple roof caved in.
A police case has been registered against the temple authorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to the site with a team of burn specialists and has asked the state government not to stand on ceremony for his visit.
Visuals on TV showed huge clouds of white smoke and explosions in the night sky. Successive explosions sent huge chunks of concrete flying as far as a kilometer according to a witness. Some parts of the temple roof caved in.
A police case has been registered against the temple authorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to the site with a team of burn specialists and has asked the state government not to stand on ceremony for his visit.
Govt sends team to probe storage of firecrackers
Government has rushed the Chief Controller of explosives safety organisation PESO to probe the use and storage of firecrackers at Puttingal Devi Temple complex in Kollam where 102 people have died and over 280 injured in a major fire."Instructed the Chief Controller of Explosives (PESO) to rush to the #KeralaTempleFire site to check on legal/illegal storage/ use of... firecrackers/explosives," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a tweet.
Controller of explosives, Kochi has reached the spot and the controller from Chennai will also join in, she said in series of tweets, adding that officials of Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), DIPP will work closely with district authorities to establish facts.
The fire broke out in Puttingal Devi Temple complex during a display of fireworks for which there was no permission was given by the authorities, according to Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.
The mishap occurred as sparks of the fireworks fell on the store room 'Kambapura' and the firecrackers kept there exploded with a deafening noise.
No comments:
Post a Comment