Kollam: The district authorities in Kollam had denied permission for any fireworks display at the Puttingal temple in Kerala where a fire tragedy on Sunday left nearly 100 people dead.The tragedy occurred around 3.30 am when a spark from an exploding cracker fell on a building that stored a huge quantity of crackers.
Kollam District Collector A Shinemol had clearly indicated to the temple authorities that there will be no permission for the firecracker display.
The collector reached the accident site soon after the episode and later called a meeting of officials to assess the situation.
Addressing reporters here, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said all the expenses of the injured would be borne by the government.
"There was no permission for this fireworks display. The cabinet will meet at 1 p.m and decide on all issues related to this," he said.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered against the temple authorities and explosive licensees following the tragedy. Police suspect the explosion occurred at the storeroom 'Kambapuram' that was filled with crackers and pyrotechnic materials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those killed in the fire and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
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.
