Tamil Nadu leaders condole Kerala fire deaths

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor K.Rosaiah, Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa and other leaders on Sunday expressed their shock over the death of around 110 people in the Kerala temple blaze and extended their condolences.

In a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the text of which was released to the media, Rosaiah said: "I am deeply shocked and grieved to hear about the major fire accident at a temple in Peravur, Kollam district, Kerala in which many have lost their lives and several others have been injured."

"I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved members of the families in this hour of grief and wish the injured a speedy recovery," he said.

Jayalalithaa said she is shocked and deeply grieved to learn of the unfortunate and tragic fire accident at Peravur near Kollam in which more than 100 people have lost their lives.

Expressing her government's readiness to assist Kerala in relief efforts, Jayalalithaa said: "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased."

DMK president M.Karunanidhi, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, and MDMK leader Vaiko also condoled the deaths.

An illegal fireworks show in a Hindu temple in Kerala early on Sunday set off a huge fire which left around 110 people dead and over 350 injured, many critically.