Over 100 people were killed and 350 injured when a major fire broke out in the Puttingal Devi Temple complex at nearby Paravoor early today when sparks emanating from a fireworks display ignited a store room filled with crackers and pyrotechnic material
Thousands of people had gathered at the temple precincts to witness the fireworks display which were on since midnight when the fire broke out. The mishap occurred as sparks fell on the storeroom ‘Kambapura’ and exploded with a deafening noise at around 3.30 AM, police said.
The sound of the explosion could be heard over a km radius and the whole area plunged into darkness as the power supply went off and people ran helter shelter, eyewitnesses said.
In a statement released, RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat and RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyya Ji Joshi expressed their deep condolences to the temple tragedy.
“The Fireworks mishap at the Paravoor Puttingal Devi Temple near Kollam in Kerala, during the temple festival early this morning today, that killed 105 persons and injured over 350, is highly shocking and painful. The agony of those who lost their kith and kin in the accident and that of who are injured and their family members is beyond comprehension.
We send our heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their kith and kin in their tragedy, and also express sympathy for those who are injured in the accident and wishing them speedy recovery.”
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.
RSS Sangh Swayamsevaks and Sevabharathi Kollam swung in action and actively participating in relief works and opened a Help desk for assistance.
Helpline: 8086488168, 9446853975,9947302221
Source: World Hindu News (WHN)