Temple tragedy: Prez 'shocked, distressed'

President Pranab Mukherjee expressed "shock and distress" over the death of 100 people in the Puttingal Devi temple fire tragedy in Kerala today and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
In his message to Kerala Governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam, he said, "I am shocked and distressed to learn about the incident at Kollam's Puttingal temple this morning, as a result of which a large number of persons have lost their lives and others are injured. I understand relief operations are currently underway."
He said he was sure the state government and other agencies were providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families and the best medical attention to the injured.

"Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. My prayers are with all the injured persons for their speedy recovery," he said.
A fire at the 100-year-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex near here during a pyrotechnic display left 100 people dead while 383 others were injured.
No permission was granted by the authorities for the fireworks display.