Kerala temple fire tragedy, Day 2: Events as they unfolded

In one of the worst tragedies to hit Kerala, at least 109 people were killed and over 380 injured when an illegal fireworks show set off massive explosions and caused a huge blaze at the Puttingal temple in Kollam district on early Sunday.

By Ankita Bhandari | Last Updated: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 00:17

Thiruvananthapuram: In one of the worst tragedies to hit Kerala, at least 109 people were killed and over 380 injured when an illegal fireworks show set off massive explosions and caused a huge blaze at the Puttingal temple in Kollam district on early Sunday.

 

11 April 2016, 19:52 PM

Burn specialists of a hospital being taken to Trivandrum by naval aircraft from naval base, INS Garuda today.

11 April 2016, 15:52 PM

Citing Kollam temple fireworks tragedy, Kerala High Court Judge writes to court; seeks judicial intervention to ban high decibel firecracker. Kerala High Court to hear plea seeking ban tomorrow.

11 April 2016, 15:42 PM

Police recover huge amount of explosives during raids in Thiruvananthapuram; nearly 150 kg of explosives in gunny bags recovered from godowns. As per law, a godown can store upto 15 kg of explosives.

11 April 2016, 15:39 PM

A day after Puttingal fire tragedy, Thiruvambadi Devaswom Board President says fireworks display will take place on April 15, 17 as safety measures have been taken. Age-old fireworks festivities can't be cancelled.

 

11 April 2016, 14:51 PM

At least 100 kg of explosive materials have been seized by police from a storehouse at nearby Attingal; 3 cars with explosives found at Sarkaradevi temple in Kollam. 

11 April 2016, 14:50 PM

No private hospital will charge victims of Puttingal temple fire tragedy. Government will refund money to victims who have been charged, says Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

11 April 2016, 14:46 PM

Police tell people living near Puttingal temple to evacuate the area till explosives are diffused.

11 April 2016, 14:09 PM

Kerala government must provide employment to kin of fire blast victims, says CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.

11 April 2016, 14:08 PM

Locals claim to have informed police on Saturday about use of excess explosive by the contractors at Puttingal temple this year, say police ignored their complaint.

11 April 2016, 13:14 PM

Puttingal temple authorities flouted many rules. As per SC guidelines one cannot ignite fireworks after 10 pm, says Chief Controller of Explosives, Sudarshan Kamal.

11 April 2016, 13:03 PM

Puttingal temple fire tragedy should be considered as national calamity and speedy inquiry should be conducted, says CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.

 

11 April 2016, 13:01 PM

Local police seize three unidentified cars with explosives and fireworks.

11 April 2016, 13:00 PM

Banned chemicals used for firework display at Paravur's Puttingal temple, there was no safety zone for devotees, says Chief Controller of Explosives, Sudarshan Kamal.

11 April 2016, 12:52 PM

There was gross violation of rules in conduct of fireworks show at Puttingal temple, samples to be sent to Forensic Science Laboratory, say officials.

11 April 2016, 12:19 PM

Police register case against 30 people including members of temple board.

11 April 2016, 12:06 PM

It's correct that we denied permission for fireworks display, says Kollam Circle Inspector Chandrakumar.

11 April 2016, 12:04 PM

Police confiscate unused fire crackers from a godown near temple tragedy site.

11 April 2016, 12:04 PM

Godowns of contractors raided in Varkala, Kazhakootam; five workers of contractors being questioned in connection with temple tragedy.

11 April 2016, 11:47 AM

A 7-member team led by Chief Controller Explosives Sudarshan Kamal inspects the site of Puttingal temple fire tragedy.

11 April 2016, 11:32 AM

Death toll mounts to 109, at least 383 people injured, confirms Kerala CEO 

11 April 2016, 11:07 AM

Team of Kerala Police led by ADGP S S Ananthakrishnan to visit spot of tragedy today

11 April 2016, 11:06 AM

Fire and rescue team inspects the site of Kollam temple fire tragedy.

11 April 2016, 10:41 AM

Fireworks will not be banned under any circumstances, say Travancore Devaswom Board officials, a day after Kollam temple fire tragedy that claimed over 100 lives.

 

11 April 2016, 10:40 AM

Home Ministry sources say at least 107 people charred to death in Kollam fire tragedy. 

11 April 2016, 10:37 AM

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy expected to chair a meet on medical treatment for fire-tragedy victims.

11 April 2016, 10:36 AM

Crime Branch begins probe into one of the worst fire tragedies that hit Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had on Sunday ordered a judicial probe by a retired High Court Judge along with an investigation by Crime Branch into the tragedy.

11 April 2016, 10:34 AM

Five people detained in connection with the deadly inferno that engulfed the 100-year-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex in Kerala's Kollam district.

11 April 2016, 10:31 AM

The tragedy struck around 3.30 am on Sunday during display of fireworks at the Puttingal temple complex, which is around 70 kms from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

The fireworks, for which no permission was granted by Revenue and police officials, started at midnight at Puttingal temple complex as part of an annual festival, where thousands of people had gathered to witness it.