Kollam: Even as authorities are trying to find out the reasons behind the massive fire tragedy at Puttingal temple in Kollam, the District Collector has claimed that several politicians asked her to allow the fireworks but she denied the permission. "Lot of politicians called me and requested me to allow the fireworks to go on but I stood my ground and said no," said Kollam Collector Shainamol.
Five organisers are being questioned in connection with the incident. One contractor has died in explosion while the another suffered injuries and is undergoing treatment in a hospital. At least 109 people have been killed and over 380 others injured during the firework display at Paravur's Puttingal temple on Sunday.
The investigation is also underway to fix accountability for the Puttingal temple tragedy. The houses of contractors and committee members were raided. Explosives were seized during raids from godowns and intensity of explosives is yet to be ascertained.
Locals had informed police that there were excessive explosives this time.
The mishap due to the display of fireworks occurred on the last day of the seven-day 'Meena Bharani' festivities. Thousands of people had gathered at the temple precincts to witness the fireworks display underway since midnight when the blaze erupted at around 3:30 AM.
Full coverage: Kerala temple fire tragedy
The mishap occurred as sparks of the fireworks fell on the store room 'Kambapura' and the fire crackers kept there exploded with a deafening noise.
Sources had said that the fireworks competition at Puttingal Devi temple was held without permission from district authorities.
The Centre has stepped in and probe is on to find out what kind of explosives were used in the firework. A team of Kerala Police-led by ADGP is likely to visit tragedy site on Monday.
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