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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.

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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 IST

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

15:52 IST

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.

15:42 IST

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.

15:39 IST

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.

 

14:51 IST

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. 

14:50 IST

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.

14:46 IST

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

14:09 IST

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

14:08 IST

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.

13:14 IST

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

13:03 IST

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

 

13:01 IST

Local police seize three unidentified cars with explosives and fireworks.

13:00 IST

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.

12:52 IST

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

12:19 IST

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

12:06 IST

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

12:04 IST

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

12:04 IST

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

11:47 IST

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

11:32 IST

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

11:07 IST

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

11:06 IST

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

10:41 IST

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.

 

10:40 IST

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

10:37 IST

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

10:36 IST

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.

10:34 IST

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

10:31 IST

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.