‘Suddenly a fireball engulfed us’: Kerala temple blaze in pictures

At least 110 people have died and 280 injured in a fire that broke out in a temple in Kerala early on Sunday.

At least 110 people have died dead and 280 injured in a fire that broke out in a temple in Kerala early on Sunday.

Visitors to the Puttingal temple in Paravur help carry out those injured in the fire to safety. (HT Photo)

The tragedy in Kollam district’s Paravur was triggered by firecrackers during an ongoing festival, which attracts a large number of visitors every year.

Fireworks during an ongoing festival at Puttingal Devi temple in Kollam district’s Paravur, around 70km from the capital Thiruvananthpuram, triggered the tragedy around 3:30am.

“I was sitting on a chair outside the temple to watch the fireworks when suddenly there was a commotion and a fireball engulfed the entire area. A person sitting next to me was hit by a concrete slab and died on the spot. I was lucky to survive,” Jayakumar K, a travel agent told HT.

Local residents gather at the Puttingal Devi temple in Paravur, Kerala. (HT Photo)

Initial reports have suggested that the temple authorities did not have the permission to burst firecrackers. (HT Photo)

Blasts caused by the blaze affected the densely-populated surroundings of the temple and people inside a 2km radius were affected. (Photo Courtesy: ANI)

The Puttingal Devi Temple was also damaged in the fire. (HT Photo)

The fire affected the densely inhabited neighbourhood surrounding the temple, damaging many houses. (HT Photo)

The injured were taken to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in the state capital for treatment. (Photo Courtesy: ANI)

280 people have been injured with more trapped inside the temple and under debris after the fire started. (Vivek Nair/ HT Photo)

Bundles of unexploded fireworks were seized from the temple by police. Two temple managers have had cases lodged against them. (HT Photo)

Police begin blocking roads to provide a clear route for ambulances and emergency personnel. (Photo Courtesy: ANI)

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