Fireworks explosion at Indian temple leaves 102 dead, 350 injured
LONDON – The death toll from a fire caused by fireworks at a temple in southern India rose to 102 dead and 350 injured, dampening celebrations for the Hindu New Year.
India’s The Hindu newspaper reported that more than 100 victims were admitted to the district hospital in the south Indian town of Kollam.
“Many of the injured died before they could reach a hospital. Victims were also admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital and at various private hospitals in Kollam,” the newspaper said.
The casualties were caused by an explosion at a warehouse where fireworks had been stored for the Hindu New Year celebrations on Sunday.
“In the impact of the explosion, the office building of the Travancore Devaswom Board near the storehouse was blown off,” the Hindu reported.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reportedly traveling to the scene, said in a tweet that the incident is "heart-rending and shocking beyond words."
India’s The Hindu newspaper reported that more than 100 victims were admitted to the district hospital in the south Indian town of Kollam.
“Many of the injured died before they could reach a hospital. Victims were also admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital and at various private hospitals in Kollam,” the newspaper said.
The casualties were caused by an explosion at a warehouse where fireworks had been stored for the Hindu New Year celebrations on Sunday.
“In the impact of the explosion, the office building of the Travancore Devaswom Board near the storehouse was blown off,” the Hindu reported.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reportedly traveling to the scene, said in a tweet that the incident is "heart-rending and shocking beyond words."