Permission for Kerala temple fireworks display was denied

The district authorities in Kollam had denied permission for any fireworks display at the Puttingal temple in Kerala where a fire tragedy on Sunday left nearly 100 people dead.

The tragedy occurred around 3.30 a.m. when a spark from an exploding cracker fell on a building that stored a huge quantity of crackers.

Kollam District Collector A. Shinemol had clearly indicated to the temple authorities that there will be no permission for the firecracker display.

The collector reached the accident site soon after the episode and later called a meeting of officials to assess the situation.

CPI-M leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has blamed the government for not taking adequate safety preparations.

Addressing reporters here, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said all the expenses of the injured would be borne by the government.

"There was no permission for this fireworks display. The cabinet will meet at 1 p.m and decide on all issues related to this," he said.