So far over 77 are dead and more than 200 are injured in a deadly temple fire after firecrackers caused a massive blast. The fire broke out at 3 am, police said.
The fire happened at the Puttingal Temple in the coastal town of Paravur in South India. Parvavur is in the State of Kerala, also known as God’s own country. This temple is a place of worship for Hindus and a major tourism attraction. The Hindu temple in the coastal town of Paravur was founded after the presence of the goddess.
The festival of this temple is on the “Bharani” star of the Malayalam month Meenam. Fireworks (Matsara Kambam) and other events are associated with the festival. They take place along with other cultural events.
This festival turned into a festival of death today. The tragedy occurred just a few days before the Vishu festival in Kerala on April 14, which marks the Indian New Year and is celebrated on various dates across the country.
It has been reported that one of the firecrackers sparked a cache of pyrotechnics, which caused a massive explosion, the Times of India says.
Multiple victims have been admitted to hospitals in Meeyapuram and Kottiyam areas with burns, while those severely injured are being treated at the government medical college.
Authorities say the fire is now under control.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- The tragedy occurred just a few days before the Vishu festival in Kerala on April 14, which marks the Indian New Year and is celebrated on various dates across the country.
- It has been reported that one of the firecrackers sparked a cache of pyrotechnics, which caused a massive explosion, the Times of India says.
- The fire happened at the Puttingal Temple in the coastal town of Paravur in South India.
