The annual festival at the 100 year old Puttingal Devi Temple in Kerala, was underway. 15000 people had thronged to this ancient temple to offer their prayers. At midnight the fireworks display began and the people were awed. At around 3:30 a.m., some of the sparks from the fireworks fell on an auto and a shed. Unfortunately this auto and this specific shed was filled with more firecrackers.
As it starts visitors are still clicking pictures
The fireworks catch fire and eventually this fire engulfs the entire temple. Leading to further blasts as various inflammable things catch and blow. Each new explosion sends chunks of concrete and iron grills flying as far as 2 kms, killing many of the panicking visitors.
The smoke rises as the fire goes out of control
Eventually the temple’s roof caves in and the lights go out as well, leaving the visitors with no source of light except for the blazing fire, to figure out where they were headed. The last reported count of total lives claimed by this tragedy is 112 and it has left many more critically injured, so this number may rise further.
Trying to find survivors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed to Kerala upon hearing of this tragedy and was seen trying to take stock of the situation, the loss of lives and the overall tragedy.
PM Modi in Kerela giving support
Our prayers are with the victims and their families.
Author: Tora Sen
