Kerala temple fire: Death toll rises to 80

Major fire at Puttingal temple in Kollam, over 70 feared dead. According to reports, the fire in Kollam, Kerala, could have been caused due to a firework that sparked a pile of fireworks stocked for the temple celebrations.

A huge fire broke out at Kollam’s Puttingal temple in Kerala early today (Sunday) morning leaving at least 80 dead and over a hundred injured, local media said quoting police officials.

The fire took place at around 3.30 am this morning during Vishu celebrations. According to reports, the fire could have been caused due to a firework that sparked a pile of fireworks stocked for the temple celebrations. The police had earlier warned temple authorities to restrict usage of fireworks.