Puttingal fire: PM Modi takes stock of situation in Kollam

Kollam (Kerala) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took stock of the situation at the Puttingal temple in Kerala’s Kollam district where at least 105 people have lost their lives following a devastating fire.

Prime Minister Modi, who landed in Thiruvananthapuram, also met Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who briefed him about the situation.

“PM @narendramodi at the site of the tragedy in Kollam with CM Oommen Chandy & other officials,” PMO tweeted.

A team of 15 burn specialist doctors from All India Institute of Medical Science and other hospitals from Delhi have accompanied the Prime Minister to Kollam.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Government has announced a judicial inquiry to be headed by retired high court justice Krishnan Nair into the incident.

Chandy told ANI in an exclusive conversation after emerging out of the Cabinet meeting that the inquiry committee would submit its report within six months.

“We have announced an ex relief of Rs. 10 lakhs to next of kin of the people, who have died in the accident and free treatment to all the injured. Apart from that, serious injured will get Rs. two lakhs and Rs. 50,000 will be given to minor injured people,” said Chandy.

Elaborating on the rescue operations, the Chief Minister said, “The rescue part is almost over and now we are all concentrating to give the best available medical treatment to the injured.”

Prime Minister Modi has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. two lakh to next of the kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those critically injured in the incident.

The Prime Minister had earlier said that the fire at a temple in Kollam is heart-rending and shocking beyond words.

“My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured,” he tweeted earlier in the day.

At least 105 people were charred to death in a fire accident at Puttingal temple during a festival at Paravur in Kollam district early this morning. 350 people have been injured and admitted to various hospitals.

The fire broke out due to the explosion of crackers at the temple. The fire has now been brought under control.

The district administration has set up a control room number. The number is 0474-251-2344 (Repeat 0474-251-2344). (ANI)