Over 100 people have been killed and 350 injured after a massive fire broke out in Puttingal temple in Kollam district of Kerala. The fire reportedly broke out during a firework display at around 3 in the morning.
According to an official, the fire started from a ground next to the temple after a spark from the crackers being burst fell in the stack stored to celebrate New Year festival of Vishu on Thursday.
The ground was packed with 10,000 to 15,000 people gathered to celebrate the festival and enjoy the all night-long firework display.
The fire led to the collapse of parts of the temple and surrounding buildings. the injured were rushed to the district hospital in Kollam. Many of the injured collapsed before they reached the hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who dubbed the tragedy as heart-rending and shocking, has left for Kerala with a team of burn specialist doctors.
Earlier, NDTV  has reported Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy saying that the temple had defied orders not to allow competitive fireworks a part of the tradition.

The fire was reportedly organised by two contractors and police have registered case against them. the fire broke out when the firework display by the second contractor was taking place.