An explosion and fire in a crowded temple early Sunday morning 10th April in the coastal town of Paravur in the Southern Indian state of Kerala has killed at least 100 people and left more than 200 worshippers seriously injured.
The explosion is believed to have been caused by fireworks as thousands of people had gathered to celebrate a local New Year festival.
The temple structure then collapsed, causing more deaths, and making rescue efforts of those many persons trapped very difficult. There were scenes of chaos as witnesses said emergency teams were slow in reaching the area. Rescue teams used bulldozers to clear the area looking for survivors.
A team of specialist doctors has been sent from Delhi amid reports of horrific burns suffered by those wounded. Several people were said to be in critical condition in hospitals.
An investigation has been ordered as officials say permits for the display at the temple had been refused after safety fears, but despite this the event went ahead.
Top Image: People stand next to debris after a broke out at a temple in Kollam in the southern state of Kerala, India, April 10, 2016. REUTERS/Sivaram V
