Temple tragedy: Firework contractor dies, toll at 111

The toll in the fire tragedy in Puttingal Devi Temple at Kollam rose to 111 with two more persons, including one of the fireworks contractors who carried out the display, succumbing to their injuries at the Medical College Hospital here today.
The deceased fireworks contractor was identified as Surendran (67), from nearby Kazhakutttom. He had suffered 60 per cent burns in the accident, police said.
The other deceased was Sathyan (55) also from Kazhakuttom,who had suffered 90 per cent burns, police said.
The accident at the century-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex occurred during competitive display of fireworks early Sunday morning after a spark from a firecracker fell on the storehouse containing crackers, triggering explosion.